Coach Michael Cheika made the surprising decision this year to bring Cooper back into the Wallabies starting XV, giving him No.10 duties for the second Bledisloe Cup match in Wellington.

It was the first time Foley, who switched to inside-centre, had not played at five-eighth since August 2014.

Despite a loss in Wellington, the pair have since helped orchestrate victories against the Springboks and Pumas with their potency and directness in attack.

Cheika traditionally prefers two playmakers at No.10 and 12 and although Foley says they haven't totally "conquered" the combination just yet, he can see the merit in Cheika's thinking given the extra freedom he has experienced in recent weeks.

"Our ability to swap that first ball player probably allows the other one to have a bit more freedom to see the game a bit differently," Foley said. "Not being involved in every phase probably allows you to step back and see another aspect of how we want to be on the field.

"Now to play with each other is also exciting because playing with another [number] 10 you probably see similar opportunities. We have similar thoughts in how we want to play and it probably allows Quade to play his natural game a bit more and then myself to play a bit more of a supporting role. Having the two ball players really helps our team in challenging defences and both sides of the ruck."

Since Cooper has come into the fold, Foley's kicking has improved. During the England series in June he slotted 10 from 16 kicks (63 per cent) but in the Rugby Championship that number has climbed to 12 from 14 (86 per cent).

Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez is the only other player to have kicked as accurately as Foley, making 18 from 21 attempts at goal (86 per cent).

Be it help from new Wallabies skills coach Mick Byrne or a relief in pressure at not being the side's chief playmaker, Foley is just happy that that area of his game is in good condition, and particularly ahead of a clash at altitude in Pretoria in which he and Reece Hodge will look to make the most of favourable long-kicking conditions.

"It's just consistency," said Foley of his kicking game. "I've just gone back to what works for me, trying to just replicate that every stage and the last couple of games have been good, but you always have to keep improving, getting better.

"Up here is going to be another challenge … kicking is such a vital part of it. I'm sure Reece will be practising. He'll be stretching it way beyond the halfway mark so it's vital for both sides now because giving away penalties or that ill-discipline anywhere in your own half can cost you three points. That's something we'll have to be wary of."

Asked what qualities South Africa would possess after three losses on the trot, Foley said: " The Springboks are always very physical. They're set piece-orientated and that's where we'll have to match them and try and outplay them."