The Wallabies must retain their risky run-and-stun tactics to end their dire Bledisloe Cup losing streak and reinvigorate Australian rugby, according to Ewen McKenzie.

Former Test prop McKenzie, who masterminded the Queensland Reds revival this year through a vibrant attacking game, warned a return to more conservative, field-position tactics against New Zealand would be a retrograde step.

How both teams tactically plan for Saturday night's clash at Etihad Stadium is the $64 question after they separately thumped South Africa with ball-in-hand, expansive rugby.

With the big Springbok pack out of the picture, the Wallabies and All Blacks could be happier to kick for lineouts and less enthusiastic about attempting to tire out more mobile rivals forwards.

With rugby's market share dropping following five seasons of dull, "negative" rugby, McKenzie desperately hoped both sides backed their positive styles to boost support at a crucial time.

But he feared NZ's selection of a more conservative halfback in Jimmy Cowan over the creative Piri Weepu and the Wallabies loss of dangerous playmaker Quade Cooper may spell a return to a slower game punctuated by kicking.

"Tactically that may be a pointer, but if you are true to your fan base not playing something similar would be going backwards," he said.

"People would be disappointed if they don't see the same full-on, run-the-ball style.

"It's a big game with a lot riding on it but it's a good opportunity on a Bledisloe Cup stage.

"Hopefully the two styles create a positive game and not two positives making a negative."

Wallabies winger James O'Connor, expected to face a bomb barrage from Dan Carter, expects more than the mere 27 total kicks made in the 30-13 win over the Springboks but hinted on Thursday the Wallabies would remain true to their attacking game.

The appointment of South African referee Craig Joubert will encourage such tactics as the home side attempts to end a seven-match Bledisloe losing streak.

Joubert, who has cleared the slippery Etihad Stadium surface fit for play, marked himself as one of the strictest whistleblowers on the defending team at the tackle area in the Super 14.

McKenzie, who was happy to have Joubert in charge of four Reds games, said the referee would allow for quick ball recycling at the breakdown for the attacking team to dictate play.

"He'll be good for the game," he said. "If the two teams will play like they did in the first three (Tri-Nations) outings there will be plenty of colour and movement.

"You don't want to give the All Blacks too much use of the ball that's for sure.

"There's not much in these games, it's just a piece of luck or a referee's decision and Australia have not been able to capitalise on that."

Wallabies lock Dean Mumm admitted the Wallabies handling would have to be near perfect to ensure NZ, looking for their 12th Test win in a row, didn't punish them on counter-attack.

His opposite number, dual international Brad Thorn, is savouring the thought of a fast and open clash between two form teams.

"I think if you have watched the five All Blacks Tests and the Wallabies last performance your mouth would be watering as a rugby person," he said.

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