By Sam Ryan

Just over four years ago, Australia met New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semi final at Eden Park and were beaten comprehensively by an outstanding All Blacks outfit en route to claiming their second World Cup.

Here’s a reminder of the Wallabies side that took the park that night (1-22):

Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Dan Vickerman, James Horwill, Rocky Elsom, David Pocock, Radike Samo, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Pat McCabe, Anthony Fainga’a, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Rob Horne.

On that night, it seemed nothing could stop New Zealand and in the end, nothing could. On that night, it seemed like it was boys playing men and the eventual result reflected that.

But a lot has changed in four years, and perhaps even more in the last 12 months.

Just eight players from that side are expected to take the field in Sunday mornings final, but it’s more than just player turnover that has changed in Camp Wallaby.

Here are the five most important changes to the Wallabies set-up from one World Cup to the next.

Michael Cheika

Australia hasn’t collectively had a man-crush like this for decades.

In less then a year, Michael Cheika has taken the Wallabies from the doghouse to the front door of the penthouse. Unlike his recent predecessors, Cheika has found a way to get the best out of each member of his squad and in doing so, has brought the team together, creating an identity that an entire national can be proud of.

Sure, the stars have aligned in many respects leading into this World Cup, however Cheika’s contribution cannot be undervalued.

The scrum

Led by Argentinian ‘scrum guru’ Mario Ledesma, the Wallabies pack has improved leaps and bounds in recent months and is now an attacking weapon rather than a potential train wreck. Four years ago, Australian fans couldn’t have dreamed of this.

Ledesma’s infectious enthusiasm towards the set piece has clearly rubbed off on the Wallabies forwards, with Scott Sio admitting the squad generally looked forward to scrum sessions these days, a far cry from generations past.

The backrow

Whilst individually David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy have all been brilliant at this World Cup, perhaps more impressive is the way they have played together, utilising one another’s strengths to solidify their performance as a trio.

Although the New Zealand press are doing their best to play down Pocock, Hooper and Fardy’s efforts at this World Cup so far, the Kiwis clearly fear and envy the Wallabies backrow and will spend a good portion of their week talking about how to nullify the trio’s impact.

Throw Ben McCalman and Sean McMahon in the mix, and the Wallabies have a clear ascendency over their rivals in this area.

The Giteau/Mitchell/Douglas/Mumm rule

If Australia does go on to win the World Cup, the ARU’s decision to alter its player contracting policy earlier this year must be credited for a good part of that success.

Matt Giteau and Kane Douglas have been two of Australia’s best at this World Cup, whilst Drew Mitchell and Dean Mumm’s experience has added plenty to the squad as a whole.

Rugby, unlike rugby league and the AFL, is a truly international game and the ARU would be silly if they didn’t use that to their advantage in the world’s most competitive sporting market. The 60-Test rule helps them do that.

Belief

Led by Michael Cheika and Stephen Moore, the Wallabies have had an air of confidence right throughout 2015 and it has rubbed off on the Australian rugby community, and now, the general public.

The Wallabies honestly believed they were good enough to beat both England and Wales in consecutive weeks at Twickenham. Then they moved on to Scotland and then Argentina. Now the Wallabies face their most difficult test at this World Cup and arguably their most difficult test ever.

But it’s the belief in themselves and their belief in one another that has captivated their fans. That’s something the Wallabies didn’t have four years ago.