Michael Cheika staying grounded after Australia victory over New Zealand

Hooper played a full 80 minutes in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener – scoring a try in their 24-20 victory over the Springboks – while Pocock completed an entire shift in Australia’s 34-9 win over Argentina.

Dean Mumm was named at lock ahead of the giant youngster Will Skelton in a move which adds mobility but may weaken the Wallabies at scrums and lineouts, while Matt Giteau’s return from injury and Drew Mitchell’s selection on the right wing adds pace to the backline.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is confident the All Blacks will retain the Bledisloe Cup next week at Eden Park where the Wallabies haven’t won in 29 years.

The Wallabies now have the chance in Auckland next weekend to win back the Bledisloe Cup they last held in 2002.

The gamble paid off, however, with the pair proving a two-headed, ball-poaching menace at the breakdown while making a series of crunching tackles to thwart the All Blacks’ attack in the 27-19 win at Olympic stadium.

The inclusion of man of the match Hooper and No. 8 Pocock in the starting line up was expected to weaken the Wallabies’ set-piece and while they struggled in the lineout, their scrum was terrific.

“It’s coming on well, so hopefully I’ll get into some contact this week and be available”, said Nonu.

“I know the boys are hurting and if that’s going to bring the best out of them, then next week will”, McCaw said.

“I have all these texts from a number of Australians who used to drone on about how good they were at cricket, saying rugby is their game now”, Loe said.

“We have let our country and our supporters down today with this unacceptable performance”, he said.

“Pressure does amusing things to good players if you allow it to get on top of you and that’s often what happens”, McCaw said. We went OK in the scrum at the weekend and I think we’re certainly improving as an entity there, but we still have a long way to go.

The skipper said the Wallabies’ preparation couldn’t be better as they aim to beat New Zealand for the first time since 2011.

“I don’t think it gives them too many mental advantages, if you look at the overall last 10 years they’ve had their scars as well”.

He fashioned a brilliant grubber-kick for Adam Ashley-Cooper to chase, and the winger did not let the opportunity slip as he contrived a stunning try, leaping high and touching the ball down a fraction of a second before being taken out.

“Nugget [Aaron Smith] being sin-binned”.

The All Blacks led 6-3 at half-time, but the Wallabies controlled much of the second half.

The term “inquisition” is rarely used in the context of an All Blacks homecoming but local media have been very direct about their disappointment as the reigning champions build for their World Cup title defence.

Australia will have to overcome New Zealand’s strong back row of Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino and captain Richie McCaw, who will become the world’s most-capped rugby player on Saturday in his 141st test.