Why the Wallabies won't drop a knee before Bledisloe clash

On Thursday, former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones warned the national side that it wasn’t a good idea to do so because they risked alienating supporters and was too controversial a move.

“No, we won’t [be taking a knee] ,” Rennie said on Friday. “Our focus is around our First Nations people and the Indigenous jersey. We’re not looking to make a political statement.

“The key thing is that this is about honouring our Indigenous people and we want the focus to be on that. I guess everyone has got their own opinions around the other situation but we want the focus to be around reflecting on our history and our past.

“We met with the leaders and the leaders met with the team. It’s an unanimous decision.”

Rennie then said there was a push for more regular recognition in every gold jersey.

“We’ve certainly talked about the Indigenous jersey and as a group we’d like to see that represented every week in our Test jersey, not just as a one-off,” Rennie said. “I think this is the first step in regard to embracing that part of our history.

“What we’re trying to highlight is First Nations is part of our DNA. It needs to be reflected in what we do every day, not just one or two times a year. We think having that reflected on our Test jersey every week is really important.”

Rugby Australia released a statement shortly after Rennie's teleconference, with interim chief executive Rob Clarke saying the organisation condemned racism in the wake of Farr Jones' controversial comments.

"Rugby Australia and the Wallabies condemn any form of racism or discrimination and also acknowledge that we are still on the path to reconciliation," Clarke said. "I'm really pleased the players and management have come together to speak about this, as they would with other important social issues. It was measured, appropriate and mature and I congratulate the team as they explore more opportunities to recognise issues facing First Nations people and all Australians."

It is the fourth time Australia will wear a First Nations jersey, having done so against New Zealand in 2017 in Brisbane, against England at Twickenham in 2018, as well as at the World Cup against Uruguay.

“I love it,” Rennie said. “I know the players love it and I’ll wear it with pride next week.

“I coached the Chiefs for six years where there is a really strong multi-flavour to that jersey and reflected the history of our region.”

As for a potential jersey clash with New Zealand, given the First Nations jersey is a little darker in colour than the traditional Wallaby gold, Rennie didn’t think there would be a issue.

“I don’t think it will clash unless [referee] Ben O'Keeffe is colour-blind,” Rennie said. “There’s certainly enough white and I don’t think it’s an issue. It might have been an issue if we were playing South Africa.”

The Wallabies are back in camp in the Hunter Valley and will continue training there throughout the early stages of next week before Saturday’s third Bledisloe Test in Sydney.

Australia drew with New Zealand 16-16 in Wellington before falling 27-7 to the Kiwis at Eden Park.

Rennie’s men will need to win both Tests against New Zealand on home soil to regain the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002.

“I think the first Test showed there is a lot of character in this group,” Rennie said. “I reckon we’ve got a massive upside and we’re going to get better over time and that’s why we’re very excited about having a lot of Tests in quick succession.”