Michael Hooper was quick to show his respect for the All Blacks, however, that won't stop the Wallabies from imposing themselves in the second Bledisloe Test.
Needing to win to keep the series alive, Dave Rennie's men have been quick to suggest the pressure's on the Kiwis as they look to maintain their Eden Park streak.
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Coming back to the Kiwis cauldron for back-to-back weeks, Hooper told reporters on Friday the banter came with the territory as they look to make up for their second-half collapse.
"We do respect New Zealand and the All Blacks but we don't fear them," he said.
"We're going out there to impose our game on these guys, it’s Australia v New Zealand Rugby that’s what it always is and I can't wait to get out there on the field tomorrow.
"Yeah, a lot's been made of it but, (it) always does in these sort of weeks, doesn't it?"
Since his return from Japan, Hooper has been quick to ponder the mark and legacy his team can leave on the rugby and wider community.
With the majority of the country affected by COVID outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns, he believes they have more than 25 million reasons for an improved performance come Saturday.
"We play for a lot of reasons. We talk about those often in our team rooms and certainly, a common and big factor is for our people. It’s part of our identity and who we are as a team and we want to represent them,” he stated.
"It's great in Australia when you play a good game and the jerseys come out the next morning and there's people walking their dogs wearing the Wallabies gold.
“Unfortunately with lockdown, I don’t know how many people can do that at the moment so hoping that in the living and with their families or over Zoom, however, they are catching up to watch the game.
“We’ve been feeling greatly supported away from home. It’s been tough for us. Every person, staff and player in this team has their challenges like everyone in the world.”
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The side will be boosted by the returning Marika Koroibete, with Hooper eager to see his response after his one-match suspension for breaking team protocols.
"It was tough for him sitting in the stands last week, seeing that reaction at training all week, I can't wait to see him with or without ball in hand," Hooper said.
“He’s such a dangerous player all across the field so it’s great to have him back."
