Matt Burke says the Australian side will embrace the challenge of playing back-to-back matches in New Zealand.
The 2021 Bledisloe Cup between the All Blacks and the Wallabies kicks off at Eden Park on Saturday with Game 2 also set to take place at the iconic Auckland venue on August 14. Game 3 in Perth has been pushed back to August 28.
The schedule has been changed after the travel bubble between the countries was paused due to COVID outbreaks in Australia.
Former Wallaby Burke, while admitting it is not ideal, says Dave Rennie’s side will be mentally ready for the arduous task of two games on the hop in enemy territory.
He also believes the fact the Wallabies haven’t won at Eden Park since 1986 should not impact their mindset.
“You could say it’s a kick in the guts for the Wallabies being twice there, but the boys say bring it on,” the Channel 10 Sydney sports reporter said on SENZ Drive.
“If you’re going to win you’ve got to beat the best. That’s always been my philosophy.
“To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and that is New Zealand at Eden Park.
“I’ve contributed to that 35-year hoodoo. It’s one of those things that if you get a run or against you, you can find it incredibly tough.
“The biggest things for our guys are, we talk about that 'turning up factor' which means attitude and physicality, set plays, making sure you can control the ball as well as you can.
“The great thing about sport is the opposition always has a game plan to nullify and that’s the battle you have when you’re at Eden Park.”
Burke also made his prediction for the Bledisloe series, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, following last year’s 16-16 draw in Wellington in Australia’s eventual 2-1 series loss.
“Let’s call it a draw, like last year, so a draw at Eden Park,” he added.
“It might be a sneaky win in New Zealand in the second game and then we go to Perth for a third, but for and against means we win the cup.
“I don’t know if that works, but that’s what I’m going to say.”
The first All Blacks v Wallabies Bledisloe Test gets underway at 7:05pm NZT (5:05pm AEST) this Saturday.
Saturday night from 7pm tune into SENZ’s Stephen 'Beaver' Donald and Riccardo Ball as they talk about the Bledisloe Cup and take your calls as it happens live.
Then on Sunday from 1pm, former All Black Steve Divine joins Riccardo Ball to dissect the first Test against the Wallabies.