The Wallabies' goal of a first unbeaten spring tour in more than a decade is anything but a pipe dream, with Australia having won 10 of their past 11 matches against their remaining Test opponents.

This week's narrow escape in Leicester kept the dream of a European clean sweep alive and, despite a massive test for the Australian scrum looming against England this weekend, the stats suggest an unbeaten road trip is not out of the question.

Since coach Robbie Deans took the reins in 2008, Australia have won three from four against England, three from three against Italy and four from four against France, their remaining Test opponents on this tour.

Their solitary loss in those 11 matches was by one point, to England in Sydney when Matt Giteau missed four penalty goals.

Australia's record is tempered slightly by some home victories over understrength touring sides, but they are also four from four against their upcoming foes in Europe.

The 1999 World Cup aside, the Wallabies last went undefeated in Europe in 1998, when they beat France and England on a two-match trip.

They last won four games in Europe in 1996.

As Tuesday night's far from convincing 26-15 win at Welford Road in Leicester illustrated, the second string Wallabies will face one of the trickier assignments of the tour when they play Munster next Tuesday.

But in non-Tests, Deans' record is five from five, including two wins over the Barbarians, while assistant coach Jim Williams will be able to impart plenty of local knowledge after spending seven years at the Irish club.

The next hurdle for Australia's rising young stars though is England at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT).

The build-up has been characterised by the Red Rose praising Australia's struggling scrum and the Wallabies praising their opposition's less flashy backs.

Australian benchman Berrick Barnes singled out ANZ Stadium tryscorers Ben Youngs and Chris Ashton as dangermen.

"They've got some threats like (halfback) Ben Youngs and these sort of guys who can cut you up," Barnes said.

"(Fullback) Ben Foden, (winger) Chris Ashton ... give them that sort of threat out wide and they challenge you in defence.

"They're playing well, there's a lot of young exuberance in their side at the moment.

"We're under no illusions that, obviously, they're going to be coming through us tight but they've got the threats to hurt you out wide as well."

Meanwhile, former first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is back running and taking part in scrummaging practice with Australian squad.

Polota-Nau is a big chance of playing next week in Ireland, where his chances of a return to Test rugby on this tour will be assessed.

"He was running before he got here and doing scrummaging and everything like that," Williams said.

"He's been participating in training."

"It's excellent to have him around in the group, he's an excellent guy and he certainly adds to the group, not only in looks but just his attitude."

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