Tuesday 27 October 2015 13:02, UK
New Zealand hooker Dane Coles expects Australia's Mario Ledesma-tutored scrum to provide a stern test in Saturday's World Cup final.
The scrummaging ability of the pack has been the Wallabies greatest weakness in the past 10 years.
New coach Michael Cheika hired Argentina's great hooker Ledesma to rectify the issue, and he did so with extraordinary success.
The Aussies did come off second best in the scrums against Argentina in Sunday's quarter-final, with second choice loosehead James Slipper giving away a number of penalties under huge pressure from Pumas tighthead Ramiro Herrera.
But the Aussies are hopeful first choice No 1 Scott Sio will be fit for the final, and with him in the front row the Wallabies have looked rock solid throughout the tournament, with neither England or Wales able to get any change out of them.
"They are a quality pack," said Coles. "The Argentina game looked pretty bruising for them, I've got huge respect for how they go about their work.
"They work hard for each other so it will be a battle. They've taken their scrum to another level, so we've got to do the work during the week to counter that.
"They've been really consistent throughout the tournament and put in a lot of work to be a dominant pack in world rugby."
Coles admits he is still pinching himself, having watched the 2011 final on home soil as a supporter.
"You always dream to be in these moments but until you're actually here you don't believe it," he said.
"I remember watching 2011 as just a fan. To be here and maybe get a chance to play, it's a dream come true. I just can't wait."
