Former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh thinks Australia can win the opening two matches against New Zealand and claim back the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002, if Michael Cheika opts for a more traditional back-row combination.

“I’m very optimistic this year. I think we’re a very strong chance not just to win this week but to win the Bledisloe,” he said.

David Pocock and Michael Hooper played alongside Scott Fardy at last year’s World Cup, however Waugh thinks Cheika needs to select a more physical back-row to play the Kiwis.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes with Pocock, McCalman and Fardy,” Waugh said.

“It depends what style he wants to play. We know Australia can play with two opensides, but I think he’ll go with the big bodies to start the game, then look to bring another openside on towards the end.

“Most Test matches, particularly Bledisloe Cup games, are won in the final 20 minutes so I think adding that extra speed and potency in the second half will be really effective.”

Waugh suggested that the impact of the newly approved “Giteau Law” should be monitored in the years to come but admitted the inclusion of Australia’s European based stars gave the Wallabies an edge this year.

“It not only adds to Australia’s playing ability but it adds to the confidence of the group. Having those guys around camp will have a massive impact,” he said.

“When you look at the All Blacks on the other hand, they’re missing Richie (McCaw), Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Kevin Mealamu, (Tony) Woodcock, plus Sonny Bill, they are missing a number of very influential players and I don’t think the impact of that should be underestimated.”

Australian Super Rugby sides won just three of 25 matches against New Zealand teams in 2016 but Waugh doesn’t think that form matters too much.

“I think the Super Rugby season is almost irrelevant when we pick our best 30 players and the All Blacks pick their best 30. It’s great to have depth, but I don’t think there is much between the two squads, so really the Super Rugby season doesn’t mean a whole lot.

“Plus the Wallabies have had an extra few weeks together to prepare for this match while the New Zealanders were bashing themselves up in the finals.”

In fact, Waugh thinks Australia can reclaim the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002 and do so by next weekend.

“I think we can wrap it up in two matches. I think we’ll win in Sydney this week and then take that momentum into Wellington a week later.

“The third match in Auckland is almost three months away so that will be a very different task, but I think we can win it by next weekend.”

Michael Cheika is expected to name his side for the opening Bledisloe Cup match tomorrow.