When Cheika got his hands on players from their Super Rugby clubs, he wasn't thrilled with their fitness levels.

Knowing some players weren't up to the standard required to play high-tempo rugby, he put them through vigorous training weeks ahead of the Fiji, Scotland and Italy fixtures in June.

While Cheika did not make excuses for the shock 24-19 loss to Scotland at Allianz Stadium, he knew the risk of running players into the ground might affect an upcoming result but would have long-term advantages.

After the Super Rugby season concluded in late July for Australian players, the Wallabies took part in intense fitness training that involved up to four sessions a day.

The hard work paid dividends with Australia almost beating the All Blacks in Dunedin in August before getting one over their trans-Tasman rivals in the final Bledisloe Cup match last month.

"We were playing probably two or three Test matches a week in June in the lead-up to games," Hunt said. "He [Cheika] explained to us that although we wanted to win each game in June, the load of those weeks were going to be higher than normal because he wanted us to prepare for the end of the year.

"He's a master planner, he's obviously been in the business a while and understands how to get teams up and about when most needed."

Hunt, who featured in all three June Tests, conceded his legs were a lot heavier before the Scotland match, which saw the visitors beat Australia for just the third time in 35 years.

"I was definitely a lot more fatigued than normal," Hunt said. "That was the task that was given to us. The plan was laid ahead and we weren't going to be in tip-top shape but we were good enough to go out there and compete.

"There's definitely no excuses from our part. We felt we should have won that game and we didn't turn up with our best performance, it was as simple as that. It wasn't down to fatigue or anything like that, it was execution.

"[The game is] still in the back of our mind so we understand we've got a huge challenge on our hands."

Hunt has been unable to get into the starting XV but has been a reliable finisher in the back-end of contests.

The former NRL star has heaped praise on Marika Koroibete ahead of another clash with Scotland and said he's never seen a footballer so quick off the mark.

"Marika has been just killing it," Hunt said. "Everyone loves playing with him and he gives 100 per cent every time. He's a guy you want to play football with.

"I don't think I've seen anyone quicker off the mark. He's tough as well and I like that about him as well. He'll come off his mark and he'll look to hurt people. He's the complete package for a winger.

"You don't survive league unless you are tough. He played footy pretty well for the Storm so there is a bit of league in his DNA."