Prop Allan Alaalatoa credits new coach Dave Rennie with unifying the multicultural Wallabies and transforming the All Blacks' long-time trans-Tasman whipping boys into a Bledisloe Cup force to be reckoned with.
Skipper of Super Rugby AU's triumphant Brumbies, Alaalatoa says Rennie has been instrumental in building special bonds in a Wallabies squad featuring more than a dozen Pacific Islanders.
"That's one of the great changes this year that I've felt. There's a lot of boys who come from Pacific Island descent so it's one of the great things that Dave Rennie has brought forward," Alaalatoa said on Wednesday.
"The Fijians have shared a song for the team to learn and the Tongans have also shared a song for the team to learn as well.
"So we're just waiting for the Samoan one to be heard. We're waiting for Scotty (Sio) or someone to lead that for the boys.
"But those little times off the field, it's been great for us. The more we can connect off the field, the better it will be for us on the field.
"The more we can get to know each other, it's crucial heading into all these tough Tests."
Alaalatoa suspects Rennie tapped individuals on the shoulder asking for help to try to build relations in a unique way.
Either way, the tight-knit feel - which translated into a morale-boosting 16-16 draw with the All Blacks in Wellington last Sunday - is a far cry from the tensions that bubbled away last year following Rugby Australia's sacking of outspoken star Israel Folau.
Folau's strong Christian beliefs and homophobic social media posts divided the Wallabies, who crashed out in the World Cup quarter-finals without their influential fullback.
"In terms of culture and what we do off the field, it's been a big difference for us," Alaalatoa said.
"When you see the non-Pacific Islander boys get stuck into the song, really enjoying it, I think there's that genuine feel of wanting to connect.
"That's the best thing about it and definitely a reason as to why our culture is growing."
