Oz says physicality just part of the game

Brisbane - Australia captain Stephen Moore conceded that Saturday's Test against England would be a highly physical encounter, but that this was just part of Test rugby.

England's Australian coach Eddie Jones has spent much of the lead-up to the first Test talking up the Wallabies' physical approach under coach Michael Cheika.

But Moore believes all Test rugby is confrontational and stressed the Wallabies were prepared for that in the opening match of the three-Test series.

"Test rugby is physical, probably more physical than Super Rugby," Moore said.

"We know the importance of that and we've prepared for it, and we want to make sure that that part of our game is solid tomorrow.

"You always want to play within the rules and being physical is part of that.

"That's just one part of the game, but it's an important one."

And Moore does not expect French referee Romain Poite to be swayed by Jones' pre-match comments.

"I've played under him a number of times and he's very much his own man," added Moore. "He'll referee the game the way he sees it."

The veteran hooker insists the Wallabies want to continue the progress they have made under Cheika, which saw Australia reach the final of last year's World Cup in England.

"We did a lot of work on our game last year to get to a point, but we didn't get what we wanted, which was winning the World Cup," said Moore.

"But this is a new opportunity for this group - it's very much the 2016 team."

The inclusion of four newcomers, lock Rory Arnold, centre Samu Kerevi, wing Dane Haylett-Petty and reserve scrumhalf Nick Frisby, also ensures the squad will not be resting on their laurels from 2015.

"We've got four debutants tomorrow and it's their opportunity to play for the Wallabies and show what their identity is," said Moore.

"We haven't spoken too much about results and outcomes, it's more about the process and coming together and playing as a team tomorrow night.

"It's a special opportunity for those guys and they've worked really hard.

"For me, who's been there for a while, it's very exciting to share that moment with those guys when they play their first Test for Australia."

While Australia will boast a huge back line, Moore believes the battle would be fierce in the forwards.

"The first scrum is always important in any game and tomorrow will be no different," he said, pointing out that Australia had vastly improved.

"We've worked hard on that part of our game this year, we know how important it is in Test rugby.

"It's going to be a good contest. I always look forward to playing a tough forward pack."