Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says his side are in for a "stern test" against the United States because the Eagles have had far more time together than when they faced New Zealand in 2014.

The Eagles were thrashed 74-6 by the All Blacks in front of a packed Soldier Field last year and while the crowd isn't expected to reach that figure, those who do attend can, according to Cheika, expect to see an improved scoreline from the home side.

The Australia coach hasn't run out his first-rate team but he is adamant the Eagles will offer a valuable 80 minutes ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

"What I think has been different for the US this time is that they've actually had time together," Cheika told ESPN. "In the past they've come together for campaigns and they've had a week, and they're pulling guys in from all over; some local, some foreign, bringing them in and trying to get their game together. Now, as you can see, they've had a bit of time together and they've put together some wins and it's going to be a very, very stern test for us."

The Wallabies have been engaging some new fans during their stay in the States © Alyssa Schukar for ESPN

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That sentiment was echoed by Eagles captain Chris Wyles, the skipper saying the recent Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) - which includes Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Canada and Japan - had given the side the chance to build some combinations and enjoy an extended period of preparation.

"I think the main thing for me is that we've spent some time together now," Wyles told ESPN. "We played the All Blacks with one week's preparation whereas we played the PNC tournament, we've had a couple of weeks together, we played Canada; so we've really been able to work on our basics and our structures. So I feel like you'll see a much more organised team."

The match serves is the final warm-up for both sides ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which gets underway in England in a fortnight. The Eagles are in a group alongside heavyweights South Africa, Samoa, Japan and Scotland. The Springboks will likely top the group but the second quarter-final spot looks to be up for grabs.

Still, Wyles said the Eagles weren't looking past their first games against Samoa.

"The goal really for us is to have a good game in our first game against Samoa," he said. "I think if we can play well and play to our potential then anything can happen from there."

ESPN is proud to announce an exclusive 1-hour special - Cheika's Wallabies: Hope of a Nation - premiering on ESPN Weds Sept 9 at 9pm AEST (11pm NZ). ESPNscrum's leading rugby expert Greg Growden goes one-on-on with the Wallabies coach in this exclusive special that gives a rare insight into the intriguing personality of Australia's head coach.