A “shorter and sharper” approach to preparation has the Wallabies ready to turn the tide in Europe, according to skipper Harry Wilson.
The Australians will resume their Nations Championship campaign against England, aiming to reverse last year’s defeat at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
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The 25-7 loss came amid a losing slump to end 2025 following a taxing campaign that included the British & Irish Lions series and a South African tour.
With that in mind, Wilson and the Wallabies have changed their approach to ensure they are fresh for the challenge ahead.
The Wallabies are likely set for back-to-back six-day turnarounds after their Test against Wales later in the month, with the third-place game on the Friday of the Finals Weekend.
“We've probably changed the way we've done the weeks and over the last few weeks we've been able to get away from footy,” Wilson told reporters in London.
“By the time we hit the training track this week, it was all hands on deck. We do have one game less this year too compared to last year at the game in Japan before so having a little bit more time at home I think has really helped the group.
“We know it's going to be a long tour, so we know our time on grass might be a little bit shorter and sharper. This week is a bit bigger than we will have as the trip goes on but we're very aware when we've got to be performing well and that's on game day.”
The Wallabies have heeded further lessons from their previous defeat to England, where the hosts ran in three tries, two by replacements Henry Pollock and Luke Cowan-Dickie in the second half, to take the game away from them.
England have taken a similar approach, leaving Pollock and Ellis Genge in the finishing unit.
Coach Les Kiss has loaded the bench in response, including two-time John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini and returning prop Taniela Tupou.
“It's obviously different for Bobby and it's just genuine X-factor coming off the bench,” Wilson believes.
“Rugby now, a lot of teams have some really strong players coming off the bench and I think we've got one of the best players in his position in the world coming off the bench.
“I think he can be some genuine X-factor. If it's close around that point, having a player like him come on gives the boys a lot of confidence. I think that's what England did to us last year, and hopefully Bobby can really spark us from the bench again this year.”
