"I know they’ve had their difficulties in the past, but it seems like the work they’ve put into it has paid off," he said.

"I was watching the Italian match at the weekend and the Aussies did very well on their own ball."

The total dominance of the Irish scrum was the stand-out positive from last Sunday’s stuttering victory over the US Eagles, and the Leinster prop thinks Ireland will face a considerable step-up in intensity against the Wallabies pack.

"Even reviewing the scrummaging performances they put in during the Tri Nations and contrasting that with the Italian game, you can see that they’ve changed things slightly and it seems to be paying off for them," he said.

Ross, once of Munster and Harlequins, is now the established tighthead prop at international level and is relishing the challenge. After years of exile from test recognition, Ross is not getting complacent about his status in the Irish set-up.

“I think you appreciate it more if you have to do the hard yards to get it,” Ross explained.

“It’s just up to me to keep going the way I’m going and maintain my place in the squad, because there’s a couple of young lads coming through and there’s a lot of completion in the squad for my place.

“I just have to keep on my toes and I’m really enjoying it.”