VIDEO: No sidestepping Grand Slam talk inside Wallabies camp

Australia scrumhalf Tate McDermott revealed his team should use the next few weeks to stay ahead of the curve as they prepare for the Nations Series opener against England.

It is a daunting schedule for Australia, who will face England, Wales, Scotland and top-ranked Ireland.

However, it is also an opportunity for Joe Schmidt’s side to finally overturn their fortunes and retain their position as one of the top teams in the world.

Wins over the four home nations will see them build immense confidence especially with the British and Irish Lions visiting down under in 2025.

The last time Australia secured recorded four wins over the four home nations was in 1984, while Michael Cheika’s 2016 team completed the first half of the grand slam with victories over Wales and Scotland before losing to Ireland and England after defeating France in Paris in between.

In 2009, Robbie Deans’ side opened their quest with an 18-9 triumph over England at Twickenham before a last-gasp Brian O’Driscoll try earned Ireland a 20-20 draw in Dublin to scupper Australia’s hopes of sweeping to a grand slam.

Fifteen years on Joe Schmidt’s class of 2024 has the rare chance to emulate the 1984 legends.

While the current crop of Wallabies opted not to publicise any grand slam ambitions, scrumhalf Tate McDermot admitted there are chats about reaching that incredible feat inside the camp.

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“It has been a number of years since we completed a grand slam and we have touched on it,” scrumhalf Tate McDermott said from London.

The No.9 revealed that vying for that accolade will mean that his team will have to improve weekly, starting with securing a win over England this Saturday.

“We’re incredibly excited. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve played some of these teams,” said McDermott.

“Particularly, what a brilliant way to kick off our tour against England at Twickenham Stadium.

“We know we’re going to have to continue to improve and be ahead of the curve, but we’re looking forward to touching down and playing some good footy over the next couple of weeks.”

The Wallabies will be without centre Hunter Paisami for next week’s Test against England.

Paisami was originally set to return to Australia at some stage of the tour as he awaits the birth of his child.

However, the side confirmed a calf injury has ruled the centre out, not travelling to the UK.

“Hunter Paisami has suffered a calf injury and hasn’t travelled with the squad for the Spring Tour,” a statement read.

“Any additions to the group will be communicated in due course.”

His injury opens the door for Samu Kerevi to slot straight back into the starting side after re-joining the squad for the Spring Tour.

New squad member Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains an option as he presses for a debut.

2024 debutant Hamish Stewart and Brumbies recruit David Feliuai are in the Australia XV squad in England and may be called into the squad as replacements.

It comes after prop Tom Robertson (calf) was ruled out earlier in the week, pushing Zane Nonggorr into the squad and Tiaan Tauakipulu to the Australia XV squad.

*Additional source: rugbycomau