Ben Alexander says World Cup spots will be up for grabs when Australia face New Zealand in the Tri-Nations at the weekend.
Tighthead ready for World Cup challenge
Ben Alexander says World Cup spots will be up for grabs when Australia face New Zealand in the Tri-Nations at the weekend.
The tighthead is among many in the Wallabies camp who are looking to cement their places and this is their last international fixture before the World Cup.
Alexander has been part of an improving Australian scrum, but with James Slipper and Salesi Ma'afu returning form injury, the 28-Test veteran is one in coach Robbie Deans' side who admits to keeping one eye over his shoulder.
"The moment that you think your spot is assured is the moment you'll start slipping backwards and you'll get replaced," said Alexander.
"That was the depth that Robbie's looked to build over the last few years, that initially probably wasn't there, five or so years ago. And it's not just the front row, it's across the whole paddock
"If you don't perform on Saturday, you'll be replaced quick-sticks, because we have the depth and we have the players to replace you."
Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe and performing No.8 Scott Higginbotham were the two unforced changes in the Wallabies line-up, and their replacements, Dan Vickerman and Radike Samo, indicate the brand of physical rugby that Australian are looking to bring to the contest.
Hard-hitting Anthony Fainga'a comes in to add some starch to the backline with James O'Connor serving a one-match ban, and the Australians are all promising improved aggression after being caught short last time out against the Kiwis.
"Everyone's really amped for this week. When you've got to play the All Blacks, you've got to bring your physical game," said Alexander.
"We were just beaten in those early physical exchanges last time when we played them at Eden Park, so we're really making sure that we're primed and we're ready to go and we're going to be clinical and effective and brutal in that area."
