Their rampaging displays saw Australia tear through the World Cup and changed the conventional balance of the back row in first class rugby.

David Pocock and Michael Hooper - the dual openside combination that has helped to make the Wallabies such a force in the world game - are royalty in the test arena.

The speed, strength and ferocity of their play helped demolish England and send them out of their own World Cup last autumn as Australia marched all the way to the final.

When Michale Cheika's team faced Scotland in the quarter finals the dark blues boasted their own take on the paired 7s, with John Hardie and Blair Cowan operating in the flanker roles.

Injury had forced Pocock - operating at number 8 in the tournament - out of the match against the Scots, but the influence had been felt nonetheless.

The following Six Nations campaign saw the returning John Barclay handed the blindside role across from the natural 'fetcher' 7 of Hardie as Vern Cotter continued with the tactic.

Scarlets back row Barclay hopes to continue the partnership against the Wallabies at Murrayfield on Saturday, but insisted Scotland are their own men - not just a tribute act to the Pocock-Hooper axis.

But asked if he thought Cotter favoured the dual 7 combination because of the success of the tourists, Barclay said: "You would have to ask Vern, I don't know.

"I certainly don't think Vern is influenced too much - he has his own view of how to play the game.

"Australia have had great success there with those two playing - they are world class.

"But from our point of view we are a different team, a different nation that plays to different strengths.

"We can't lose sight of what we want to do, rather than what other teams are doing."

Pocock played at the blindside in the 32-8 demolition of Wales last weekend as Dean Mumm was ruled out through suspension. Lopeti Timani filled the 8 jersey to great effect on only his fourth international outing.

Mumm is available for selection this week and Asutralia are confident Pocock will be cleared by concussion protocol in time to play. With hard-hitting Scott Fardy also pushing to start the match it is clear whoever Scotland face in the back row will present a stern challenge.

Barclay, who hopes to earn his 53rd cap, said: "You have to pay attention to what they are doing - they have some of the best loose forwards in the world.

"Whatever combination they put out there, they are always strong there.

"It must be something from the grassroots up that means they consistently produce these quality players.

"It is a challenge for us in the back row at the weekend, certainly."