Wallabies star Rob Valetini believes the team is ready to put the talk behind them and show what they can do as they look to bounce back against Scotland on Monday (AEDT).
Valetini returns to the starting side for the clash at Murrayfield and comes into a team with a point to prove after last week’s defeat to England.
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It made it three on the trot for Les Kiss’ side, with the coach responding by elevating the two-time John Eales Medalist into the back row.
“We want to do the jersey proud and we're sort of in a slump at the moment as a team and I think that's even more motivation to want to go out there and put out a good performance as a team,” Valetini said to reporters.
“That's something we've been working towards throughout this whole week. All the boys are hurting from the week that's just gone.
“We’ve had a hard look at ourselves and [are] hoping to transfer what we've done at the training field to the field.”
Winger Harry Potter also returns, inserted onto the wing after Isaac Henry’s hamstring injury, which will sideline him for close to six weeks.
As a result, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves into the midfield, partnering Len Ikitau.
Potter offered insight into the fallout from the England defeat, saying the honest chats within the group will only be for the better.
“After a loss like that, the 48 hours post-game are not great. We have some meetings and there's certainly an air of frustration and disappointment around the group and then when it gets to meetings, they are a bit more brutal. Coaches are certainly honest, and players are honest with each other,” he notes.
“I think we know how far we need to come from last weekend and that was certainly shown in the meetings.
“After a loss like that, there is even more awareness of the poor things that we did do.”
The Wallabies have lost four of their last five against Scotland, knowing the pressure will ramp up with the World Cup final almost exactly a year away.
“A lot of talk within the team and throughout the week as well. This week I think we really want to go out there and lead with our actions as well, not just saying things and not being able to do them,” Valetini added.
“This week I think we just want to lead by our actions and make sure what we're saying is putting out onto the field. I think that will probably be our mentality this week. I think if we play our game the way we want to and how we've trained, we'll put in a good performance we can be proud of.
“We're hoping and prepared this week to do that. I'm looking forward to Sunday and I think a lot of the boys are really keen as well to rip in and forget about the weekend and go on."
