Owen Franks has hailed the career of fellow-All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, saying the Test great led a revival in New Zealand scrummaging.

Woodcock will play his 100th Test in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Wellington, becoming the fourth All Black to do so after flanker Richie McCaw, fullback Mils Muliana and hooker Keven Mealamu.

He is the 25th centurion in Test rugby and the fifth prop in a group headed by England’s Jason Leonard (119).

Tighthead specialist Franks says he has admired loosehead Woodcock since the 32-year-old made his debut in Cardiff 11 years ago.

Franks says the All Blacks scrum made enormous strides when Woodcock and former tighthead Carl Hayman became the first-choice props late in 2004.

“It’s not like it (NZ scrum) had a bad reputation before that but I think they took it to another level.

“I have a lot of respect for Tony, he’s caused havoc for a lot of tightheads over the years.

“He and Carl Hayman, they were pretty unstoppable.”

Woodcock was typically humble on Wednesday when asked about the milestone.

He attributed his longevity to luck with injuries, faith from the coaches and his rural upbringing.

“When you’re growing up and the old man’s got you out there working and what-not, I guess that has to help.

“I enjoy going back to the farm. It freshens the mind up and that’s quite important at this level.”

Woodcock and Franks were both unsatisfied with New Zealand’s scrum performance during the 47-29 win over Australia in Sydney last Saturday.

The new engagement laws turned the battle into a messy one, something they are confident can be improved this weekend.