Young captain Michael Hooper has bluntly denied a Waratahs-led split has divided the Wallabies.
Media speculation has pointed to a NSW clique unhappy with the performance of coach Ewen McKenzie, but Hooper insisted his embattled team was united and tight as ever.
The 22-year-old, who also led the Waratahs to this year's Super Rugby title, said a besieged McKenzie had strong support leading into Saturday night's Bledisloe clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Hooper stressed provincial alliances had no bearing in the Wallabies camp and they were galvanised to show how much pride they stored in the gold jersey.
"Being on the inside this week, we've seen how tight we are as a group," he said.
"How much good banter there is, and how guys go off to dinner in all different Super Rugby colours, so there's no split."
The denial has been supported by sidelined first-choice captain Stephen Moore who revealed on Thursday night that his contact with players had shown they were tight-knit and completely behind McKenzie.
Hooper is looking for his first win over the All Blacks, after five losses and two draws, but for once he wasn't asked about his breakdown battle with rival captain Richie McCaw.
The openside flanker's pre-match press conference was dominated by the current dramas rugby is facing and the huge ask his world No.4 side has to reverse their fortunes against the world champions.
Hooper defended his weekend support of Waratahs teammate Kurtley Beale, opposing calls for his sacking over the texting scandal which has engulfed the code.
Beale faces a code of conduct hearing next week for sending lewd images related to former business manager Di Patston, but the Australian skipper denied he was condoning, or playing down, the star back's actions.
Hooper also dismissed any concerns over his own position as captain leading into the five-match spring tour of Europe.
While he expected an All Black backlash from their last-start 27-25 loss to South Africa, Hooper said all Wallabies were determined to restore pride on and off the field.
"The thing that I would be proud of is a physical performance to show everyone, with what's happened this week, that we're able to turn it around and we love playing for the Wallaby jersey," he said.
"That's what I want from this game - to show how much we care and how much we're willing to try our hardest to get the result tomorrow."
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