The Wallabies are well aware of the importance of starting their Spring Tour on a high note as pressure starts to build.
Dave Rennie's men enter the end-of-season tour with just one win in their past five games.
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This coupled with a winless European tour last year has heightened pressure on the squad, including Dave Rennie, as they prepare to face Scotland in Murrayfield on Sunday (AEDT).
“Every game is important and we want to win every game…I haven’t seen Dave Rennie miss a tackle so there’s no doubt we need to front more,” winger Andrew Kellaway told reporters.
“...Last year was a tough hit-out. Scotland really fronted up defensively more than we did so I think the challenge first game off the plane is to be able to hit the ground running.
“It’s a long tour, we have five games there but the important part of all that is to treat each game on its own merit and disregard what’s to come because if we start worrying about what’s to come then we’re probably not putting ourselves in the best position to perform.”
On top of this, the Wallabies have received a fresh reminder of what's up for grabs as they arrived at their base just outside Saint-Etienne, where they will be located for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
For Dave Porecki, who is relishing his first Spring Tour, it emphasises the need to solidify your position in the set-up with less than 11 months before their first match against Georgia.
“I think it’s great for us a group to get the routines down pack so you know what to expect next year but the main thing is you need to work hard to keep your place in the squad,” Porecki said.
“It’s nice to come here and see the faculties they have provided us as a squad but if you don’t do your job, you’re not going to be here to enjoy them.”
Porecki also praised the influence of Laurie Fisher, who has extended his stint with the Wallabies following joining mid-way through the Rugby Championship.
Fisher came in following Matt Taylor's departure and has been upfront with his quest for perfection as the hooker welcomed his direct approach to the game.
“Laurie has been fantastic since coming in, he’s direct, straight to the point which is what you need in this environment, there’s no fluffing around,” Porecki noted.
“He just told us where we can improve, how we can improve and they’re measurable goals which is the main thing. You need to go into the game actually being able to measure if we have improved in a game and he’s given us those terms.
“It’s fantastic having someone like him on board. It’s a benefit to the squad and we need to put in place what he’s dishing out to us.”
