The Wallabies are stressing the importance of consistency, admitting last week’s bounceback win in Adelaide will mean nothing if they don’t back it up on Saturday in Sydney.
The hosts cruised to a 25-17 victory at Adelaide Oval, scoring after just 62 seconds to stun the world champions.
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Whilst the performance helped alleviate any lingering concerns following Argentina, it heightens a worrying trend within the squad.
The Wallabies are 3-0 in their openers during multi-Test series in 2022, however, 0-3 in follow-up games.
“Our preparation has been built around consistency (this week) because it’s something we haven’t done this year is put together two back-to-back performances,” backrower Jed Holloway told reporters.
“It’s purely been around being better and ready for them to be better as well.”
“We’ve had a habit since I’ve been involved with the Wallabies of not being able to back up good performances the week after and string wins together,” fullback Reece Hodge added.
“Last year in the Rugby Championship we did so to an extent there with four in a row into Spring Tour and we made it five against Japan but aside from that, we’ve struggled to back up performances
“It’s definitely something we’ve addressed. It’s a challenge (for) this group this week and I think everyone is excited by the challenge, especially at a brand-new stadium that none of us have played at before in front of a sold out Sydney.”
The hosts are embracing the potential for a rare piece of continuity across the line-up, with the injury list starting to clear.
Dave Rennie confirmed last week Angus Bell (toe) will likely be selected whilst Len Ikitau (shoulder) shrugged off any concerns following his ‘stinger’ late in the game.
The combination of Ikitau and Hunter Paisami were crucial in shutting down Lukhanyo An and the backline whilst Noah Lolesio provided a calm and measured performance on his International return.
It’s been good having Hunter back after missing Argentina,” Ikitau remarked.
“With (Nic) Whitey and Noah (Lolesio), I’ve played with them all year at the Brums so it’s awesome to have that (connection).
“Playing with Noah, it was more about giving him that opportunity to play his game and give him the confidence to play his game. For us as centres, it’s giving him the confidence to do what he does and react to what he does. It was awesome to see him play well this week.”
