It’s not the size of the pack but the heart within.
That’s the mentality Australia’s maligned forwards will carry into the toughest Test of their European rugby tour against England this weekend.
The Wallabies’ scrum has been under much scrutiny during the European tour and, while it has stood up well at times to the might of Wales, France and Ireland, a vulnerability late in games remains a concern.
That could spell trouble against the English forward pack, which is renowned as the best in the world at the set-piece and could carry close to a 40kg weight advantage into this week’s battle at Twickenham.
“We’re probably not the biggest team running around, so physically looking at us we’re probably not that intimidating,” Australian prop James Slipper said.
“But the heart of some of the players in this team, we’ll do anything to get a win and if that means putting our body on the line, we’ll do it.”
England, like Australia, have had a rocky November campaign and are looking to avoid a third Test defeat this month.
But, led by 125kg wrecking ball David Wilson, their scrum and rolling maul still caused havoc in tight losses to New Zealand and South Africa.
With young props Kieran Brookes and Matt Mullan providing huge impact off the bench, Slipper knows the Wallabies must find the consistency that has eluded them of late.
“We need to put a good 80 minutes together,” Slipper said.
“The scrum for us is about laying a platform for the backs and showing we’re up for a physical battle, which we know we’re going to get.
“I think probably England’s always been a big pack and historically we’re a pretty small back, so it’s just about using technique.
“It’s always about taking the aggression to them. Being on the front foot always helps and going up against bigger blokes, it’s about sheer will power and having a go really.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika called on his players to keep proving they weren’t a soft touch after the 26-23 loss to Ireland and Slipper believes Australia have been improving their reputation steadily.
“We feel like our physicality is improving,” Slipper said.
“It was one of our main goals coming away on tour, to improve that area of the game.
“Throughout this whole year, I think our physicality has been on the improve and at times really dominant but coming up against England we know we’re going to have to match them if we’re to win.”
POSSIBLE FORWARD PACKS AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND
AUSTRALIA
James Slipper 117kg
Saia Fainga’a 108kg
Sekope Kepu 125kg
Sam Carter 110kg
Rob Simmons 115kg
Sean McMahon 100kg
Michael Hooper 97kg
Ben McCalman 108kg
Total: 880kg
ENGLAND
Joe Marler 113kg
Rob Webber 116kg
David Wilson 125kg
Dave Attwood 119kg
Courtney Lawes 113kg
Tom Wood 107kg
Chris Robshaw 109kg
Ben Morgan 117kg
Total: 919kg
