The Wallabies have completed their review of the England match and are preparing for a physical Italian side as they look to bounce back from their first loss of the November tour.
Speaking with reporters in Udine, Billy Pollard believes the side is not only in a better place to bounce back, but will be further complemented by the injection of new arrivals Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau.
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The side has also taken the time to mentally reset, enjoying some time to explore a side of Italy more off the beaten path.
“When you're away from family for so long, you become far more connected as a group,” Pollard explained to reporters on Tuesday night.
“That's the beauty of trips like this is that you get the chance to connect not only on the field, but away from it too. We're always hanging out and enjoying each other. I think that just only is going to help the performance and just bring us closer together.
“I think the boys have recovered really well [from England] and we're looking forward to bouncing back and having the opportunity to play Italy.
“I think will be a great atmosphere. We're really excited for it.”
Saturday’s match will mark the first time the Wallabies have ever played at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, but the men in gold are expecting the hosts to be a major challenge - the improving Italians becoming increasingly known for surprising teams.
It’s a challenge not lost of Pollard, with the Wallabies needing to win to keep their top six World Ranking hopes alive.
“So many of them play over in the Top 14 or in the Premiership,” the 18-capped Wallaby added. “They're always exposed to a really high level of rugby. I think they're going to be extremely well coached. They're very well drilled, and we know how physical they are.
“They're an extremely proud nation and a proud team, so we're expecting an extremely physical up-front battle. They also have a lot of skills that they can use as well.
“We know how important this match is. We know how good and prepared this team is.
“They have players that are playing at the highest level fairly consistently. It’s something that we're certainly not taking lightly, and we're treating it as any other game on this tour.”
The Wallabies will have some fresh names to call on in their side, with Schmidt’s rotation approach seeing most players having only played one match ahead of Saturday.
The side will also be bolstered by new inclusions, with injury cover Darcy Swain an option to partner Jeremy Williams in the second row and bring their Force lineout expertise to disrupt the Italians, with Josh Canham also expected to be back from a HIA.
Then, there are the inclusions of Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper, who Pollard expects will rapidly improve the side’s energy levels, having played with both at the Brumbies.
“I think Hooper is a big energy man,” Pollard said of the Exeter loose forward.
“He brings a lot of enthusiasm. And for Lenny, he's obviously world-class. He nails his role on the field. He can be a bit quiet off it, but they both bring different things that are important to a team.
“We couldn't be happier to have them back.”
