15 Aug 2015

Wallabies have emotional advantage

2:07 pm on 15 August 2015

Without the fear of failure, Australia have an emotional advantage over the All Blacks in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland.

Quade Cooper during the Bledisloe Cup  at Eden Park, Auckland, 2012.

Quade Cooper during the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park, Auckland, 2012. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

It's been 13 years since the Wallabies last lofted rugby's biggest trophy, and in 37 Tests against New Zealand since 2003, Australia have only managed seven wins and two draws.

One of those victories came last week in Sydney, when the Wallabies new coach, Michael Cheika, notched his first win over the All Blacks to claim the Rugby Championship.

Saturday's re-match is at Eden Park in Auckland where the All Blacks haven't lost since 1994, but Cheika is not putting pressure on his players to cause an upset.

"I don't fear failure. I just want to give everyone an opportunity and let them do Australia proud on Saturday."

Cheika's selection for Saturday has been called into question after he made six changes to the team that beat the All Blacks in Sydney.

The Wallabies coach Michael Cheika

The Wallabies coach Michael Cheika Photo: PHOTOSPORT

His decision to start Quade Cooper at first five-eighth has raised eyebrows, but Cheika is standing by his man.

"He's really improved during training these last few weeks and that combination with Matt Toomua (12) is one that I'd like to see go out there."

"When he (Cooper) was selected I told him you've nothing to prove here, this is not some kind of test for you, this is about you doing your job for the team," said Cheika.

"He's enjoying how we set up the 10 in the shape that we play and he's getting more confidence in how that works because he hasn't played a lot of footy this year. I just want him to enjoy his game and do his best."

The Wallabies captain, Stephen Moore, says he has plenty of faith Quade Cooper will excel.

"He's had a good week of training, we've got full faith in him and we're looking forward to having him out there."

He said the team was under no illusions about how difficult the game would be.

"Every time you come here you want to win, and we haven't played well enough over the years to do that," Moore said.

"We've come close a couple of times and I guess that tells you how difficult it is to win."

Australian captain Stephen Moore at Eden Park, Auckland, 2009.

Australian captain Stephen Moore at Eden Park, Auckland, 2009. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Cheika is also of the opinion beating the All Blacks on Saturday will be a herculean effort.

"Steve Hansen has been the leading coach in Test rugby for many years and still is. His team is number one."

"We're very committed to getting people proud of their team and enjoying the way we play the game. That may not always translate into wins," Cheika said.