Dave Rennie insists no there's bitterness as the former Wallabies coach prepares for the unprecedented scenario of coaching against them for the All Blacks.
The New Zealand mentor admits he's feeling the pressure to defend the side's remarkable 40-year, 23-game Eden Park unbeaten streak against Australia on Saturday.
The All Blacks are undefeated in 53 Tests at Eden Park, since 1994.
Unceremoniously axed as Wallabies coach to make way for Eddie Jones before the 2023 World Cup, New Zealander Rennie spent time in Japan before taking over from Scott Robertson for the All Blacks this year.
The Wallabies bombed out of the World Cup and Jones quit to join Japan, with Joe Schmidt taking charge and now Les Kiss at the helm with the revived side on a six-game unbeaten streak.
Eleven members of the current Wallabies squad debuted under Rennie, who helmed the side for 34 Tests.
"It's not about me," Rennie, the first man to coach both the All Blacks and the Wallabies, said of his brutal Australian exit.
"I've got no regrets, got to work with some really good people, people I have a lot of time for.
"It's a part of a game that we're involved in. I've loved coming back here ... we're highly motivated, but it's not about me."
The hosts, holders of the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and unbeaten in their last 11 Tests against Australia, have endured their share of setbacks ahead of the Auckland opener.
Gun flyhalf Richie Mo’unga (calf) and form winger Fehi Fineanganofo (concussion) have joined a mounting injury list that includes Ruben Love, regular captain Ardie Savea and Patrick Tuipulotu.
Rennie resisted any temptation to debut Chiefs playmaker Josh Jacomb at No.10, instead shifting Damian McKenzie from fullback into the role and naming veteran great Beauden Barrett in the No.15.
Barrett’s brother Scott, fresh off a non-playing sabbatical in which he dealt with foot and back injuries, has come straight into the starting second row.
Blockbusting loose forward Shannon Frizell will come off the bench in his first Test since concluding his Japanese club rugby deal.
Quinn Tupaea is also back from injury to partner third Barrett brother Jordie in the midfield.
The Wallabies have recalled Isaac Henry at outside centre, with Len Ikitau cleared of an ankle injury and moved to the No.12 to replace the suspended Hunter Paisami.
That's the only change to the starting side that beat South Africa in Perth, although Kiss has added playmaker Declan Meredith in a bench shake-up that sees Massimo De Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny also included.
"Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game," Kiss said.
“There aren’t many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it’s one we’re excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game."
Australia's winning ways have grown belief, with in-form flanker Fraser McReight insisting this week the pressure of continuing the incredible Eden Park record must also wear on the All Blacks.
Rennie agreed.
"We talk about it ... you've got to acknowledge (it)," he said.
"No one wants to be part of the first team for a long time to lose at Eden Park, or lose the Bledisloe.
"I think if we don't discuss it, some guys will be still mulling over that on game day."
Australia: Angus Bell, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Ryan Lonergan, Ben Donaldson, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter.
New Zealand: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor (c), Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett. Bench: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner. Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby.
