Wednesday 17 August 2016 14:51, UK
Sean Fitzpatrick joined Sky Sports News to preview the Rugby Championship, which kicks off on our screens this weekend.
World champions New Zealand are once again favourites, but the 92-Test international refused to write off the Wallabies despite their series whitewash at the hands of Eddie Jones' England.
"I thought they played very well at the World Cup, but the team that played against England got outdone, they got out-muscled," said Fitzpatrick of Australia.
"[Owen] Farrell was a better kicker but there was a bit more to it - they had none of their French players there."
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika opted to rest the French-based players for the June internationals against England, but has brought them back into the fold as his side begins their defence of the Rugby Championship title. Fitzpatrick says the inclusion of one particular player bodes well for the Australians.
"I think their key person will be Matt Giteau who will probably stand at inside centre outside Foley, which will just give them a bit of direction which they lacked during the English series.
"He controls play well, he defends very well and he's got huge experience. The true mark of the man is how much they missed him against the English."
Click on the video to hear all of Sean Fitzpatrick's thoughts on the tournament, which starts on Saturday with Australia v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 3 from 10.30am.
