“They won the last one, they have to be (favourites) don’t they?”
Those words from current All Blacks coach Steve Hansen have lit a fire under former players Tom Carter and ex-Wallaby Al Baxter.
Heading into game one of Bledisloe Cup at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, there is a real feeling among the Australian rugby public that this finally might be the year that we win the trophy.
Sure, we've felt this before (often), but with our Super Rugby form and the current crop of Wallabies stars we possess, 2018's series might actually see us get the job done.
MORE: Israel Folau won't change aerial approach in All Blacks showdown
Despite the Wallabies not winning the famed Bledisloe Cup since 2002, Hansen proclaimed the hosts of game one go into the clash as favourites.
This turned out to be the last straw for Carter, who played 76 matches for the Waratahs between 2008-2013.
"The All Blacks have come out playing the mind games and said, 'the Wallabies are favourites'," Carter said on Skipi TV.
"But, we are.
"I think everyone's sick of the All Blacks. Everyone is sick of their smugness, Joe Moody elbowing people in the head (video at bottom of page) their dirtiness of tactics, the French series had a couple of red cards, people are genuinely ready for them to lose, and he (Hanson) comes up and dishes out that.
"What a waste of five minutes reading that article."
Baxter, who has 69 Test caps with the Wallabies, was less controversial in his response to the coach's words, believing it was a motivational tactic for Hansen's confident team.
"I think it's more for his own players than anyone else," Baxter said.
"It's saying to his players, 'see, you're underdogs', when no one in the world thinks they are. It's just playing games, no believes it, they go in as red-hot favourites.
"Australia is looking better than they have for years, but we haven't won a Bledisloe Cup since 2002."
One of the Kiwi selections that has both Aussie players excited is that of Beauden Barrett ahead of Richie Mo'unga at five-eighth.
Mo'unga had an unbelievable series for the Crusaders, leading his side to the 2018 Super Rugby title, but it looks as if New Zealand will go with the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year.
"The All Blacks' selection of Beauden Barrett at fly half instead of Richie Mo'unga is a positive for the Wallabies," Carter said.
"Mo'unga's form in Super Rugby was incredible.
"If you get a lot of line speed against Barrett, take his time and space away, he doesn't react well. That will be the Wallabies' blueprint."
Baxter believes that the 24-year-old has usurped Barrett as the best no.10 for the All Blacks.
"Mo'unga's form in the last four games, he's been one of the best players in the world," Baxter said.
"Barrett is good, but I don't think he's been bringing the same running game as Mo-unga has."
The Wallabies will be going into the 2018 Bledisloe Cup with the services of David Pocock, who was on sabbatical in 2017 and missed the series which Australia lost 2-1.
This is a huge in for Australia and one that has the potential to be a game-breaker.
"Pocock has made a massive difference to the Brumbies," Baxter said.
"They were a completely different side with him there. He was dominating because you have to so throw so many guys in the breakdown because everytime the ball went in, you need three or four guys to clear him out.
"Pocock and Michael Hooper are going to be really interesting, it's going to be fascinating to see that forward battle."
While Pocock and Hooper will control the forward, the Wallabies' backline boasts incredible speed and skill.
"I think there's enough defensive frailties in the All Blacks for Israel Folau and co to exploit," Carter said.
"If we kick the ball in the air, Israel is by far and away probably the best athlete we've ever seen in the game in the aerial contest.
"I think they'll play Reece Hodge at 13, and someone asked me, 'is Kurtley Beale the best 12 in the world?' Without a doubt (he is).
"That gives us the straightening in attack that we need."
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