Herald rugby writer Wynne Gray looks at five reasons the All Blacks should fear Australia in the rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning.
Michael Cheika
About a year ago, Cheika was weighing up an offer to coach the Pumas before Australian rugby sagged even further with fallout from Ewen McKenzie's exit. Cheika answered the call and has resurrected the passion, set-piece needs, selection issues and conduct standards in the squad.
Scrum
Global smirks about the reversing Wallaby scrum have abated since former Pumas hooker Mario Ledesma joined the Wallaby crew. He has tidied their technique, made a few judicious picks and worked on their attitude to deliver a group who know believe they can do the business.
Will Genia
The halfback has battled to find his best form in the last few years as injury and the Reds poor production gnawed at his frame. He's back though and looking sharp. His pass has picked up again, he kicks judiciously, is a tough defender and he feels the tempo of a game better than most.
Defence
The sign of a unified team shows in the work they put into their tackling when they stand shoulder to shoulder or continually cover for each other. They bent against the Pumas but saved several crucial breaks and that sort of lung-busting bravery is a biggie on the stats sheet.
David Pocock-Michael Hooper
Picking this dynamic pyrotechnic pair of muscular menace has reinvigorated the Wallabies. They can count on recycled ball and also a number of priceless pilfers in every game from this duo. Their work in Sydney was invaluable in that victory and they have been a core component of the Wallaby trip to this final.