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Australia captain Michael Hooper insists the Wallabies are determined to do themselves justice for the first time in their series against England when the rivals clash on Saturday.
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The winners of the Sydney Cricket Ground showdown will lift the newly-created Ella-Mobbs Cup and Hooper wants the hosts to stop conceding the early leads that have played into English hands.
“We’re a resilient bunch. We’ve been able to get ourselves back into both games, winning the first one and getting close last weekend,” said the 30-year-old, four time John Eales Medallist recipient.
“We want a more complete game. Start better. We don’t think we’ve played as well as we can. We think we’re a better team than what we’ve shown so far and that’s hugely exciting for us.
“Our motivation is to put that out there and show that to the crowd. What we’ve learned about England is that they’re tough, hard, physical opponents, good at the set piece, and can really grind you.
“They apply scoreboard pressure consistently throughout the game.”
Australia claim that England have baited them during the first two Tests with scrum-half Nic White admitting he is surprised at the level of niggle coming from the visitors.
“It’s been competitive. It’s been enjoyable. I think both teams just want to win and you’ll get the chance to see that on Saturday,” Hooper said.
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“I’m expecting (niggle) to be an element of the game but ultimately it’s all about who’s up on the scoreboard and who can do it longer.”
Wallabies: Reece Hodge, Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper, Harry Wilson, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Taniela Tupou, David Porecki, James Slipper. Reserves: Folau Fainga’a, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Len Ikitau, Suliasi Vunivalu.
