A Pretoria wake-up call should ensure the Wallabies' young props are focussed on the task at hand in Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against the All Blacks in Dunedin, according to veteran hooker Michael Foley.

The Wallaby front-row is again seen as the team's weakness with former All Blacks such as Sean Fitzpatrick and Andy Haden heralding New Zealand's significant advantage in the scrum.

Most it seems have quickly dismissed the Wallaby front-row's efforts to hold the Lions' powerful scrum in three Tests and have focussed on a disappointing performance in one Test against South Africa.

However, former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd is one who has differed, believing it is the New Zealand forwards that are looking a little soft.

Foley is not concerned by any of the comments, but has stressed to props Nick Stiles and Rod Moore they must lift on their effort from the 20-15 loss to the Springboks in Pretoria.

"The occasion can sometimes distract people but they have to remember the things which have stood them in good stead in the past and I certainly have confidence in their ability," Foley told AAP. "I'll tell them just to focus on doing the basics well.

"The Lions series is over and this becomes a new hurdle and a new experience and that brings a hell of a lot of lessons to learn."

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has made an interesting change to the bench with tearaway Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh replacing David Lyons. It suggests the Wallabies are preparing for an athletic battle against All Black pack.

"You're looking at a different era and a pack which is very much more athletic across the board and, we might have only seen them very little this year, but they're very highly regarded," Foley said.