Emerging Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa is picking the brains of veteran teammate Sekope Kepu, but knows his strong form is only motivating his mentor.
Alaalatoa was a prominent performer for Australia against Fiji last weekend, running and scrummaging well, while Kepu came off the bench to earn his 78th cap.
It was 23 year-old Brumby Alaalatoa's second start in 10 Tests, all of them within the past year.
He's still learning the nuances of playing on the tighthead side and described Kepu's mentoring as a huge help when it came to building on his own game.
"The more I can build that connection with Keps I can feel like I'm comfortable to go to him and even ask him when I'm having problems," Alaalatoa said.
"He's someone that will always help me, no matter what. Whether I'm starting or he's starting, and just to have that relationship with him really shows the bond in the team and that we're all putting the team first.
"This time last year I wasn't playing (Tests), I just came in as a reserve prop and it was a huge learning phase for me.
"At first I was quite stand-offish with him because I've always looked up to him as a player growing up and watching him play for the Waratahs.
"So for me now just to go up to him and feel comfortable to ask him about little issues that I'm having on the paddock is huge for me."
Alaalatoa is predicting a strong challenge from the Scotland pack in Sydney on Saturday, as the Wallabies attempt to move closer to their aim of becoming the best set-piece side in world rugby.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend will be able to call on just about his full strength forward line-up, given none were chosen for the British and Irish Lions.
"We're probably expecting a high physicality game up front from their forwards," Alaalatoa said.
"They are going to bring a strong set piece."
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