The Wallabies have struck a timely trans-Tasman blow, securing former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod as defence coach for the next three years.
McLeod was a member of the All Blacks coaching staff at the past two Rugby World Cups, serving under Steve Hansen and Ian Foster and alongside the likes of Mike Cron and incumbent Wallabies mentor Joe Schmidt.
Now he will be helping plot New Zealand's downfall at next year's global showpiece in Australia, when the Wallabies and All Blacks will square off in the pool stages for the first time.
The 53-year-old will join the Australian set-up ahead of the August 8 Test against Japan, which will mark Les Kiss's first game as Wallabies head coach.