The Wallabies have hit the training ground for the first time, after competing three days of managed COVID-19 isolation in Christchurch.
On Monday, the 44-strong Australian squad travelled by bus from their hotel to Linfield Park in the east of the city, where they'll prepare for the first Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks on October 11.
Strong biosecurity measures are in place at the ground, with military running security around the clock.
When on the training field, the players are in the 'green zone'. When in transit, they enter an 'orange zone', and must conform to social-distancing rules and wear masks.
The situation is far from normal, but the players are embracing any opportunity to escape their hotel rooms and ease into some physical activity.
"Yes, getting pretty keen to get out there," says forward Pete Samu. "Probably not to smash blokes, but just to be able to throw the footy around and get a bit of contact in there."
Samu is familiar with the Garden City, after spending three years on the Crusaders roster, winning two Super Rugby titles.
While he hasn't been able to make his way out for the routine pre-test catch-ups with his ex-teammates, one of them has at least provided him with a welcome 'homecoming' supply package.
"I have been messaging a few of the boys," Samu says. "I have actually had Richie Mo'unga drop some food and some toiletries off to me on Sunday, before he had to head into camp.
"It was a bit of a teaser, I wasn’t able to go outside and see him. Hopefully, we will catch up with him soon."
The 28-year-old faces a new lease of life under new coach Dave Rennie. Last year, Samu was a surprise exclusion from former coach Michael Cheika's World Cup squad, unceremoniously dumped without explanation.
"It was very frustrating, just not knowing," Samu recalls. "But that is in the past now."
After a standout campaign with the Brumbies - whom he helped lead to the Super Rugby Australia title - Samu is a near certainty to add to his seven test caps over the next month and is eager to make his mark under Rennie's open onfield style.
"The Kiwis love that attacking footy," Samu says. "Dave has brought that into here, and given us the freedom to showcase our talent and play footy, which has been good."
The Wallabies will now travel back and forth between the hotel and the training ground until next Friday night, less than 48 hours before the first Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington.
