Memories of the Wallabies’ crushing World Cup win over England have come flooding back for prop Greg Holmes ahead of Saturday night’s Suncorp Stadium re-match.
But more painful flashbacks have ensured the tighthead won’t be taking the England scrum under Eddie Jones for granted in the three-Test series opener.
Holmes couldn’t help but smile when reminded of Australia’s 33-13 Twickenham triumph last year that knocked hosts England out of the World Cup.
Back after eight years in the international wilderness, Holmes helped revitalise the Wallabies’ scrum and outmuscle England during Australia’s stunning run to the World Cup final.
“It is nice to look back at it because we performed so well,” Holmes said.
“Everything clicked.”
But Holmes, 32, said memories of the Wallaby scrum’s past humiliation at the hands of England would ensure there would no complacency.
In just his second Test back in 2005, Holmes came off the bench as the Wallabies’ scrum was humbled in England’s 26-16 Twickenham win.
And he watched from the stands when the Wallabies’ scrum was outclassed by England in their 2007 World Cup quarter-final loss in Marseille.
“We know we will be up against a completely different beast this weekend,” said Holmes, vying for a starting spot with Sekope Kepu.
“That game (2015 World Cup win) doesn’t count for anything now.
“If they wipe the floor with us, everyone will forget about that pretty quick.”
Holmes said he knew exactly what to expect from his former Wallabies and Queensland coach Jones.
“We are under no illusion that they are going to target our scrum,” he said.
“They will be a lot better than the World Cup, a lot more prepared under Eddie.
“We are not going to get caught out there – we know what is coming.”
Holmes believed the Wallabies’ scrum was up to the task.
“When I first came into it, it (scrum) was a weakness of the Wallabies,” Holmes said.
“I wasn’t able to hold a spot in the team for a long period of time and I was able to watch it from afar and I saw some ups and downs.
“Coming back into the system, the last couple of years, it is something we have really put an emphasis on.”
Holmes – a veteran of 35 Tests – will leave for English club Exeter at season’s end on a two-year deal, ruling him out of Wallaby contention.
Meanwhile, Christian Lealiifano appears set to miss the opening Test after again being a no-show on Tuesday.
He is still waiting by his pregnant wife’s side in Canberra for the arrival of their first child.
The Wallabies name their Test side on Thursday.
Samu Kerevi is tipped to be named at No.12, partnering Tevita Kuridrani in the centres.
