Rugby Championship
Muscular Wallabies Bledisloe threat: Retallick
August 5, 2015
Rugby Championship Preview: Australia v New Zealand

Brodie Retallick is looking forward to a torrid forward battle against Australia in the Rugby Championship-deciding Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney on Saturday, the second-rower saying the Wallabies have adopted the muscular methods used by coach Michael Cheika's Waratahs in Super Rugby.

"They've always had the talent and the skill there," Retallick said of the Wallabies ahead of Cheika's first Bledisloe Test. "I think they've probably stepped up the physicality with their big forwards running through the middle of the field. It's probably taken their game to the next level."

Retallick believes the Wallabies won't suffer from the loss of Rob Simmons to a wrist injury, saying the second-rower's experienced Reds team-mate James Horwill will bring an energy that will complement the size and physicality of Will Skelton.

"They're guys who like to confront you and run hard at you," Retallick said. "We're going to have to stop them getting the gain line because they've got some backs who are pretty switched on."

Wallabies need to feel the heat: Cheika
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Retallick has not lost in nine Tests against the Wallabies, but he says the All Blacks do not take for granted their Bledisloe Cup dominance; rather, he says, they fear more each year that that their stint as holders since 2003 could end.

Retallick is anxious they lock up the silverware at the first possible opportunity.

"I always had an appreciation for the Bledisloe but then when I made the team I realised how much it meant to the All Blacks and the country. Since I've been here we've always won it. It's massive for our team and we're keen to hold onto it."

Retallick says there is no carry-over problem from the ankle he rolled during the warm-up drills ahead of their last-start 27-20 win over the Springboks.

© AAP

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