If a tight bond is essential to win a scrummaging battle, Australia’s Bledisloe Cup set piece woes should be over.

Brumbies props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa have been promoted to start the second Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, continuing a remarkable life-long association.

Sons of former Samoan Test propping teammates – David Sio and Vili Alaalatoa – the pair grew up together in Sydney, forging a friendship that took them firstly through the junior rugby ranks.

Brothers Michael Alaalatoa and Patrick Sio were part of the same rugby-centric childhood but have since departed for careers with the Crusaders and Stade Francais respectively.

The Brumbies pair have gradually crafted one of the premier Super Rugby combinations and will start a Test together for the fourth time.

“It’s a pretty unreal experience for us to be able to link up at Test level,” Sio said.

“For our fathers to do that for Samoa and for us to do that for the Wallabies, that’s a huge achievement for both of our families.”

The double promotion comes at the expense of benched Waratahs props Sekope Kepu and Tom Robertson.

Sio, who missed the 38-13 loss in Sydney, was confident there will be no repeat of the problems which gifted the All Blacks a hatful of scrum penalties.

“It wasn’t a surprise that New Zealand’s scrum turned up. It’s been doing it for years,” said the 46-Test veteran, who was absent last week with a shoulder complaint.

“It’s easy to watch and say things from the sideline but until you get to talk to the boys that are out there in the thick of it, it’s hard to nail down the problem.

“It’s a big opportunity for us.”