Meteoric rise pits Foley against Bok front row

Michael Foley expects his renewed combination with Wallaby front row team-mates Richard Harry and Andrew Blades to strengthen in Sunday's rugby World Cup semifinal against South Africa at Twickenham.

Foley, aged 32, has suddenly risen from the rank of Australia's third-choice hooker to No 1, with a vital role in their World Cup aspirations.

He leapfrogged 22-year-old Jeremy Paul to become first-choice hooker after Phil Kearns' tournament ended early through injury, starting in game three against the United States for the first time in a test match since late 1997.

Foley drew praise as Australia's scrum and lineout performed admirably in their 24-9 quarter-final win over Wales, and the Queenslander said he was looking for further improvement against the tough Springbok pack.

"My game against Wales was obviously a step up from the USA game - Wales was only my second game in quite a few weeks," said Foley, who played his first test of the year when used as a replacement in Australia's second match against New Zealand in August.

"My timing wasn't quite match perfect, but we've been working hard on our front row combination with Richard Harry and Andrew Blades.

"I'm getting used to them again, and vice versa.

"But I've played with them a lot in the past, so that's a plus," said Foley, who packed down with Harry and Blades in six tests when Kearns was injured in 1997.

Foley, who has played 27 tests for Australia, said South Africa's pack would present a different challenge to that of Wales.

The Springboks feature a tough front row of Os du Randt, Cobus Visagie and hooker Naka Drotske, who collectively weigh in at 353kg, compared with the 335kg of Foley, Harry and Blades.

"South Africa have a more athletic pack than Wales," he said. "Also, Wales' combination has had about 12 months together whereas South Africa's has been together far longer."

Foley said while South Africa had no true openside flyer, their back row of openside flanker Andre Venter, Johan Erasmus and No 8 Bobby Skinstad helped to give their pack considerable size.