The Wallabies have called in legendary lock John Eales for inspiration as they look to take down the British and Irish Lions in July.
Eales led the Australians to a 2-1 series victory in 2001, capped off by a famous 29-23 win at Accor Stadium (formally known as Stadium Australia).
Metres away from where he hoisted the trophy, Eales was taking in training as a 40-player squad concluded a three-day camp in Sydney.
Eales observed as the team went through their paces before returning to their respective Super Rugby clubs and fielding any questions about the series.
I think he's just giving the lads a taste of what it was like to be in the Australian team and prepare against the Lions," assistant coach Geoff Parling told Rugby.com.au.
"He'll be a great touch point, obviously a great player and name, so it should be exciting for the boys."
Parling hinted at further ex-players joining closer to the camp as they look to become the second Wallabies team to ever defeat the Lions in the multi-Test format.
"I think you can (bring further players in) as long as it's the right person," he explained.
"It's got to be delivered in the right way, but certainly it's a good chance for you to lean on those players. Like I said, it's such a unique tour."
Parling has turned the Wallabies' lineout into a weapon on the back of locks such as Jeremy Williams stepping up to the international level.
Williams is one of three locks to debut in 2024 alongside Angus Blyth and Josh Canham, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto successfully returning to the national set-up after a three-year gap in Tests.
Parling was impressed with their development heading into a crucial 2025 season.
"I think how they work together is probably the biggest thing," he believes.
"I think they realised that actually for the team to do their best and for them to stand out individually, they need to work together and the way they started pushing each other off the field was really good.
"There's also a group of locks who didn't get as much game time and are great players as well, so it's an exciting position for us.
"We'll have to go back on a super season to put the best foot forward and see who produces."
