Wallaby assistant Jim Williams has said a pair of Queenslanders will play a crucial role in Australia's attempt to scoop the Bledisloe-Tri Nations double on Saturday night.

Suncorp Stadium has hardly been a happy hunting ground for the Reds duo of James Horwill and Peter Hynes with the dreary form of the Queensland Super 14 team hardly setting the turf alight throughout the season.

There was one bright spark, with the the 40-8 victory over the Bulls providing Phil Mooney's men with one of their most memorable victories in recent campaigns.

But at the start of the 2008 Super rugby season, it was difficult to see how vital towering lock Horwill and versatile back Hynes would be to the Australian set-up under Robbie Deans.

Horwill thrived after being handed the Reds captaincy late in the season, while the ultra-consistent Hynes caught the eye of Deans with his straight running and physical play.

Since then, both have sewn up starting spots for the Wallabies with Williams saying their contribution will be vital to Australia's chances at the sold-out Battle of Brisbane.

"They've been fantastic right from the word go," the former forward Wallaby said.

"Their ability to be physical when they need to be. Their work rate has been excellent, especially James from my perspective with the forwards. He's stealing the ball, carrying the ball, the ability for him to support play and score tries.

"Obviously Peter has been able to hold his own, his positional play has been excellent and when he carries the ball he does it with some venom.

"I've been very happy with those guys, as we have been with the majority of the squad."

Williams said the natural leadership skills of 23-year-old Horwill had seen the Wallabies elevate his responsibilities in the line-out, an area where Australia must match the All Blacks if they are to claim silverware this season.

"I'd had an opportunity to look at him in the latter half of the Super 14 when he took over the captaincy. I think his ability to lead by example is an important thing, especially in that pivotal role as second-rower," Williams said.

"He's grown into the role (and) we're looking at him taking on more of the mantle with the calling structure.

"He's just worked very hard, got on with the job, he trains well and he's got a great attitude in the squad."

In other rugby news, former Australian captain and coach Des Connor has been inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame.

Connor, regarded as the best halfback of the 1950s and '60s, played 12 Tests for the Wallabies before moving to New Zealand and playing another 12 Tests for the All Blacks.

Believed to be the only man to have played Test rugby for both trans-Tasman nations, he will be formally inducted on Saturday night before kick-off.

- with AAP