The only coach to lead the Wallabies to success over the British Lions has urged current mentor Robbie Deans to pension off players approaching their use-by date well before the tourists' visit in 2013.
Rod Macqueen was the architect of Australia's 2-1 series win over the Lions in 2001, leading a relatively new-look side after shedding several players who were part of the 1999 World Cup-winning team.
He is confident Deans can emulate that 2001 success with one caveat - ageing players must be shown the door next year.
"We let a lot of players go a year before knowing that the Lions series was on in 2001," Macqueen said.
"Halfway through the year players like (Tim) Horan, (Jason) Little and (David) Wilson were let go early knowing we had to play some other players in their place and have them ready for the next year."
"That is something we're going to need to think about next year."
"We need to make sure we have those players ready because that's going to be our main next goal, to be successful against the Lions."
While the Wallabies backline is young, several forwards are on the wrong side of 30 or will be by the time the Lions arrive.
They may be shown the door if Deans is to blood new players ahead of rugby's biggest challenge outside of a World Cup.
Those in his sights will no doubt include former skipper Rocky Elsom (currently 28), Cliffy Palu (29), Nathan Sharpe (33), Radike Samo (35) and Dan Vickerman (32).
But while he is advocating change, Macqueen believes there is enough talent and depth in Australian rugby to ensure the Wallabies will mount a serious challenge to the Lions.
"With our new crop of young players we will be pretty well placed," he declared.
"I expect it will be a very competitive and closely fought series."