Saturday 24 October 2015 12:03, UK
Mario Ledesma's success in transforming Australia's scrum has been incredible, according to flanker Michael Hooper.
The Wallabies forwards coach will pit his wits against the nation he served with distinction over 84 caps in Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina at Twickenham.
A gnarled former Pumas front row, Ledesma has elevated Australia's set piece from Achilles heel to asset in under a year, as England discovered to the cost of their World Cup aspirations three weeks ago.
One of his training methods has been to lie down in the tunnel of a scrum and gaze upwards knowing a different perspective from an unusual angle may offer an insight to any technical shortcomings from his forwards.
Hooper said: "I had no idea what he was doing, I just push on the side. He was crawling through the middle one day and I was just thinking, 'what is this guy doing?'
"That was one of the first days of him working with us. I thought the scrum was going to collapse, but the boys managed to keep it up. He's an integral part of this team and has been since day dot.
"Being so hands on shows how committed he is, but so do the words that he brings to the team throughout the week, especially to the forward pack.
"He's an inspirational guy and completely motivated in seeing us do well and seeing us improve each week. Mario's been a great part of this team and he's got that other side where he can joke around and roll around in the middle of the scrum."
Hooper, Australia's vice-captain who will make his 50th Test appearance on Sunday, insists Ledesma's influence extends beyond his technical expertise.
"All Argentinians are pretty emotional and he wants to see us do well. He's completely adopted our team and wants to see us improve," Hooper added.
"When he gives so much, you get emotionally attached to it. He's brought a lot of that passion that probably sometimes Australians don't have.
"Mario is tense every week, he is a front rower and he stresses about the scrum. He is not shy at all. He jokes around a hell of a lot. Then he can turn on serious when it comes to rugby time. He is a huge part of this team, especially forwards wise."
