Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is hoping the wisdom of several Wallabies legends can help inspire the side as they prepare for a quick turnaround for Wales.
Schmidt called former captains James Horwall, Andrew Slack, Paul McLean and George Smith along with Toutai Kefu into camp to speak to the new-look Wallaby group in Brisbane.
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The former Irish boss is keen to build the connection between past, present and future in the quest to bring the best out of the side.
"That was great yesterday, having those guys at lunch," Schmidt said. "I had quite a long chat with George [Smith]. The last time I think I was with him, we were having cocktails in Limerick...He's just got no ego, George. He's just so down to earth and it's the same with all those guys.
"I've worked a fair bit with 'Kef' [Toutai Kefu] in terms of coaching, and he's such a kind of a low-level character in terms of no self-promotion, no ego whatsoever. Slackey and Paul McLean, I've had a coffee with them every time I've been in Brisbane. They're just great guys to talk about the connection piece around rugby.
"James [Horwill], I don't know so well, so it was great to get him in and meet him. He's a big lad, I would say that. I did ask him if he's available, but I think he's retired."
Schmidt is refusing to write off Wales despite their poor start to the 2024 season.
The Welsh side finished last in the Six Nations without a win whilst most recently went down to South Africa at Twickenham.
"I think Wales will be super tough," Schmidt insists.
"They lost 14-12 to a really good England side. The French game, it looks like quite a big score, but if you watch their game, up to the 60th minute, that's anyone's game. I know scores didn't work out for them, and they lost to Italy, but the game, that was so nip-a-tuck right to the finish. So sometimes coming out on the wrong side of the scoreboard doesn't reflect how tight the game was.
"There's obviously the recent history of the 40-6 that they put on the Wallabies last time they played them. That will give them the confidence that if they feel they can put their game together, they'll get some guys back in from that South African game, and that will strengthen their side...They struggled early, they got an early yellow card, and yet they were still only a point down at half-time.
"They just don't know how to go away, Wales. They are very combative."
