WITH a simple change of a single word, the Wallabies' bench has become a match-winning weapon.
Forget reserves, replacements or second-stringers; -Michael Cheika now calls his bench players "finishers" and, empowered with a sense of purpose, that's exactly what they've been for Australia in all three matches this year. 
The bench proved the difference for the Wallabies again on Saturday night when Matt Toomua and Nic White brought sharp footy and 15 points to the party in the final 20 minutes. With Kiwi-esque composure, Australia came from behind to win.
"Test match footy is won in the 65 to 75-minute mark and that back-end 15 minutes, and it is very important that your bench comes on and finishes the game off," veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper said.
"They bring a big impact on, a lot of energy and control and experience. Our benches have been doing that over the last three games . . . guys coming on like Nic White, who had a huge influence on the result. That focus that Cheik has put on the finishers has certainly proven to be a beneficial one . . ." The identity of the finishers has changed each week, along with changes to the starting side. It is designed by Cheika to build depth and strength across all 23 players.
Being put on the bench was once equated to being demoted but Wallabies say it is now a defined role all its own, like a relief pitcher in baseball.
Flanker Scott Fardy says starters and finishers will continue to swap."I don't think this team will be settled for a long time," he said. "The ability to give guys a go creates depth and confidence in the group."