By Jon Geddes
June 24, 2009
Australia are ready for a brutal battle of the breakdown against France, naming their three star openside flankers in the squad for the Test at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

While George Smith will start at No.7, Phil Waugh and David Pocock will both be sitting on the bench eagerly waiting to be thrown into the fray.
Wallabies assistant coach Jim Williams said the breakdown was a huge issue in France's two impressive Test displays against New Zealand.
"It's one of those things where you either have to be able to get quick ball in one way and stifle the opposition in the other way," Williams said.

"We certainly have quality of player through the bench and starting as well."



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Williams said the law changes had made it very important that the Wallabies got numbers to the breakdown.

"When the opportunity comes for those guys off the bench, we are looking for them to make a positive impact," he said.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the team's performance at the breakdown was not yet at the level they would like on all fronts - including technique understanding and sheer enthusiasm.

France were energetic and seldom idle at the breakdown, Deans said.
"They are all constantly looking for what they can to make a difference," he said.
Halfback Luke Burgess said the Wallabies experienced some difficulties at the breakdown against France in France last year.
"But if you are aware of it you can deal with it," he said.
The inclusion of the trio of openside flankers also means the Wallabies can cover all potential possibilities, with Smith able to move to No.8, Dean Mumm able to move into the second row, and Richard Brown to No.6.




http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html