Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley is excited about the prospect of once again pulling on the gold jersey, named to start against the All Blacks in Melbourne.
Foley comes into the side for Noah Lolesio, with the tight turnaround leaving him just unable to recover from a concussion suffered during the defeat to South Africa in Sydney.
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His selection is almost an exact mirror to Quade Cooper's, exactly 366 days since the former Red pulled off an incredible performance to down the Springboks on the Gold Coast.
“We would’ve liked to stick with (Noah) but it’s fantastic to have Bernard as an option,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie explained.
“He’s got his hard around things quickly. He was excellent last week around driving opposition play, he’s fitted in really well with his experience and voice. It’s been a good transition and he’s ready to go.
“It’s a pretty similar situation (to Quade Cooper last year) because Quade came in and watched all the All Blacks Tests from the stands before getting his opportunity against the Springboks, Bernard’s been able to do the same and get in the mix and contribute big time.
“They’re very similar characters, impressive, fantastic work ethic with impressive contributions off the field around meetings, very strong tactical understanding. We’re looking forward to seeing him put that on the field."
The 33-year-old has been impressed with the squad since joining in August, adding valuable experience after the departure of Quade Cooper, James O'Connor and Michael Hooper.
With the squad out to break a near two-decade Bledisloe drought, Foley pointed to the 'ruthless' nature of guys such as returning prop Pone Fa’amausili as key towards turning the tide.
“I think they’re fearless,” Foley said of the young group to reporters.
“There’s so much ability and potential with this group. A lot of them are just learning their ways and it’s great to be a part of.
“Seeing a guy like Pone (Fa’amausili) getting a Test in his hometown and the ability and ruthlessness that he can bring is exciting.
“…It’s all against us but we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Foley is joined by a familiar face in the halves, with Jake Gordon favoured starting over Nic White.
"I think Whitey wasn't at his best last week," Rennie noted.
"He's started every Test this year and had a massive load, and I thought Jake was excellent off the bench last week."
Having spent the past three years in Japan, the occasion wasn't lost on Foley, relishing one last chance to take on the All Blacks.
“It means so much. Not being a part of it for a couple of years, being a spectator overseas, you get to reflect on how much the jersey means to you and how you really appreciate the time and opportunity
“For me, I’m really excited. One thing when you go away is you miss the build-up, the anticipation of these big games so I’ve enjoyed this week. I’m loving being in camp and the opportunity to wear the jersey again.
“I think you definitely look at the (Bledisloe) games and you have some great battles, had a couple of great wins and tight losses that really stung but that’s just part of the journey. You always wish you can get one more crack so for me to be back here is just making the most of it."
