The Wallabies have prepared for their Test against the USA as if they are gearing up for another blockbuster with the All-Blacks, vowing there will be no complacency in Chicago.
Despite being heavy favourites to dismantle the USA Eagles by a hefty margin - like the All-Blacks did with a 74-6 mauling last year at Soldier Field - the Wallabies refuse to treat their opponents lightly.
The Australians expect an 80-minute contest against the 16th-best side in world rugby as both teams prepare for the World Cup later this month.
"We would do the same preparations if we were playing the All-Blacks. We want consistency and a world-class preparation going forward. That's a key and that is on us," stand in skipper James Slipper told AAP.
"We are making sure we are bettering ourselves, no matter who we play. In that sense nothing has changed. The USA are a good team. They are a nation full of athletes so we are expecting some big boys and athletic players to give their all.
"There will definitely not be any complacency from us. We know it will be a tough game and there are players in the team who are playing for spots down the line.
"It is creating a lot of competition and the boys know if there is complacency out there you won't get picked again."
Unlike last year in their match against New Zealand, the Americans have spent plenty of time in camp, playing the Pacific Nations Cup and other warm-up matches over the last few months.
A couple of good wins against Canada, another victory over Japan and competitive efforts against Samoa and Tonga have them quietly confident of surprising the Wallabies.
"We feel a lot better prepared going into this game as opposed to last year," Eagles captain Chris Wyles said.
"Obviously we are playing a top team but if we fulfil our potential and play the way we know we can, then anything can happen.
"We are very passionate, we can be physical, just sometimes our game management and game intelligence has been off but recently we have been matching those things up and if we are able to do that against Australia we will compete."
While Wallabies coach Michael Cheika already has his opening World Cup team against Fiji just about sorted he stressed his side are expected to pull no punches and not give the Americans an inch.
"We are turning up here in someone else's backyard and when you represent your country you just can't do that," Cheika said.
"If you are running out in the under 15s and it is first versus last and you don't have experience under your belt you might be able to get caught up in that but not here.
"The consistency of performance is something we are trying to breed in everything we do."
AAP be/
PREVIOUS TESTS v USA
1916 - Won 12-8
1976 - Won 24-12
1983 - Won 49-3
1987 - Won 47-12 (World Cup)
1990 - Won 67-9
1999 - Won 55-19 (World Cup)
Share
