That John Eales penalty a decade ago in Wellington, and New Zealand's clinical comeback at Sydney last month both seem like yesterday for All Blacks rugby captain Richie McCaw.

The inspirational leader alluded to both Bledisloe Cup epics to emphasise why the All Blacks cannot afford to be complacent in Saturday's "neutral" trans-Tasman test at Hong Kong Stadium despite New Zealand's current sequence of 10 successive victories.

"I can remember what it's like to lose to the Wallabies and perhaps the experience we had in the last Test is what the Wallabies did to us in 2000 and 2001 with last minute wins," he said.

"I certainly know it can go the other way real quick."

McCaw was a second year student at Lincoln University when Eales enabled the Wallabies to retain the Bledisloe Cup in Wellington in 2000.

A year later it was Toutai Kefu who crashed over between the uprights in Sydney to deny the All Blacks; 12 months later McCaw was among the despondent All Blacks watching Matt Burke's penalty put the Wallabies 16-14 in front at the death, again in Sydney.

"Memories like that make you realise how easily it can change," he said on Tuesday, playing down the significance of the All Blacks current dominance.

McCaw has been influential in each of those 10 triumphs but was only able to relax in one, the 33-6 drubbing at Wellington in September last year.

"In Wellington, with 20 minutes to go, it felt like we were in control of the game," he said.

McCaw, who has captained New Zealand in a record 52 tests, believed the significant point of difference between the trans-Tasman rivals was the All Blacks' ability to mirror the self belief Eales' teams were renowned for.

"When you get tight in a game it's believing you can get there when you're down on points," he said.

"I've been in teams where you feel helpless and you're not going to get there. It comes down to belief in the guys that lead it, the older players."

The All Blacks trained without incident inside the Happy Valley Race Course on Tuesday as Daniel Carter made more strides towards his comeback from an ankle injury, a relief to friend and foe alike.

Wallabies pivot Quade Cooper is also looking forward to confronting Carter for the first time in a Test match.

Cooper missed the Melbourne and Christchurch Bledisloe matches through suspension while Carter was unavailable for the latest Test in Sydney due to an ankle injury.

"He is the benchmark for flyhalves around the world and I'd love to play against him," Cooper said.

"This is something I've looked forward to for a number of years now and hopefully I will get the chance this week.

"Dan has been the best flyhalf in the world for a number of years now, it would be a great challenge."

Cooper at least has fond memories of the last time the duo marked each other at Super 14 level in February.

The Tokoroa-born playmaker enhanced his reputation when helping mastermind the Reds' 41-20 upset win over the Crusaders at Brisbane, a compelling individual performance capped by a late intercept try.

The Wallabies also trained without incident on Tuesday.

Coach Robbie Deans is certain to make at least one change to the side pipped in Sydney as prop Ben Alexander returns from a lengthy injury break at the expense of Salesi Ma'afu.

Drew Mitchell may also replace Lachie Turner on the wing despite the latter being one of the Wallabies' best in Sydney.

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