The Wallabies may be running out of frontrowers but former Test prop Dan Crowley believes Australia has the muscle to retain the World Cup.

But Crowley admitted the Wallabies forwards had to improve, starting with Saturday night's showdown with the All Blacks in Auckland.

Veteran prop Glenn Panoho and rookie Alastair Baxter have been promoted in an Australian frontrow which is running low on reserves.

With the likes of Patricio Noriega, Ben Darwin and Fletcher Dyson injured, the Wallabies are praying for their big men to stay healthy for the opening World Cup clash on October 10.

"There's a couple of guys who haven't been tested at Test level but they've done pretty well in Super 12," Crowley said.

"Tests are certainly different but it's a difference they should be able to handle.

"You always want your players to be better but the group we've got, if they play to their potential, will be fine.

"Having said that, you don't want any injuries."

Crowley believes the Australian forwards improved during the grinding 29-9 win over the Springboks in Brisbane earlier this month.

But more difficult challenges await, especially with England's effective pack likely to stand in the way of any successful World Cup defence.

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