Israel Folau says the Wallabies have the talent and hunger to finally reclaim the Bledisloe Cup in 2014, ending the years of pain and suffering for Australian rugby fans.
Folau on Wednesday admitted he couldn't even remember what he was doing the last time Australia enjoyed trans-Tasman bragging rights - back in 2002.
"It's been a long time since the Bledisloe has been here in Australia," the superstar fullback said after the unveiling of the 2014 Wallabies jumper in Sydney.
"The All Blacks been a very strong side the last 12 years and they've set the benchmark.
"So as a team you always want to play against the best and most importantly you want to beat them and I think we've got great talent in the team to get the job done this year.
"But it's not going to be easy. It's going to be a lot of hard work."
Under second-year coach Ewen McKenzie, the Wallabies open their 2014 international campaign with a three-Test series against France, kicking off in Brisbane on June 7.
The Wallabies launch their Rugby Championship bid with the first of three Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand in Sydney on August 16.
Last season the world champion All Blacks became the first international team to go through a calendar year unbeaten, winning all 14 of their Tests.
But Folau believes the hunger in the Wallabies ranks and the momentum gained from four straight wins - over Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - to finish 2013 will help Australia finally regain the Bledisloe Cup.
"The back end of last year on the Spring Tour I thought we finished the year off well," he said.
"In saying that, coming up against the All Blacks and the Springboks is always going to be tough.
"The group is very young and still growing, but also very hungry."
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