It can't be just coincidence for Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman.

But since the 22-year-old made his Test run-on debut in South Africa, he has been part of a stunning turnaround in Australian rugby.

Most remarkable was that day in Bloemfontein, when he helped the Wallabies bust a 47-year hoodoo at altitude in the Republic.

Then last Saturday in Hong Kong it was the last gasp victory which snapped a 10-Test losing streak against the All Blacks.

You'd be forgiven for thinking McCalman's arrival has had plenty to do with Australia's revival.

"At times you've got to pinch yourself and think, 'Am I really here?'" he said as Australia prepared for this weekend's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

McCalman's Super 14 debut came when the Western Force suffered a spate of injuries this year and, before he knew it, he was a part of the Australian Barbarians side.

He made his Test debut from the bench in the Wallabies' win over the Springboks in Brisbane.

With regular Test No.8 Wycliff Palu sidelined for most of the season with injury, McCalman's rise has been timely in more ways than one.

Force teammate Richard Brown had originally replaced Palu in the Australian side, but McCalman is now expected to put real pressure on the Waratahs star in the lead-up to next year's Rugby World Cup.

The former wheat farmer from the NSW central west has brought his own brand of aggression to the Wallabies, something he is determined to unleash on Australia's European opponents.

"If you don't go in one hundred per cent, you're playing players which are very experienced and very physical as well so you're going to come off second best," he said.

"I just try and give myself the best chance of dominating my opponent every time."

McCalman and current Test teammates Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale, David Pocock, Will Genia and Lachie Turner were all part of the 2005 Australian schoolboys team which toured the UK and Ireland.

He visited Millennium Stadium with that group, which lost to Wales on the tour, but only as a sight-seer.

For now, his combination with Pocock and skipper Rocky Elsom has the Wallabies hierarchy smiling.

"It's important, especially with a back row, that they complement each other, and I think they've got an excellent blend through that area," forwards coach Jim Williams said.

"David Pocock and Rocky and obviously Benny can all carry the ball, defensively they're excellent and they like to attack the ball as well.

"It's great to have that balance."

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