Jones keeps faith with beaten forwards

Wallabies rugby coach Eddie Jones has acknowledged his team will have to compete better for possession against the All Blacks tomorrow night.

The Australians were steamrolled by the All Blacks pack at Wellington on July 17, though they won plaudits for their defence in the wet conditions, restricting New Zealand to just one try.

Jones said his team had made "tactical and technical adjustments" since that match and knew they would have to be more competitive up front than they were in Wellington.

They moved up a notch with a strong forward display against the Springboks in Perth last Saturday and Jones thought the square-off for possession would be the key tomorrow.

"We are getting really good tactical and physical contests for possession of the ball and we know that is going to be [the case] on Saturday night. We are not too worried about what happened in Wellington."

Brendan Cannon returns to the starting lineup after being suspended for punching All Black counterpart Keven Mealamu in the Wellington test.

Jones said it was a difficult decision, after Paul had played so well against the Springboks, but Cannon gave the team an edge in the lineout.

"Both players are very good in the open, both are very good scrummagers and Canno probably just shades Jeremy [in the lineout] at the moment."

For his part, Cannon showed relief at his re-selection and contrition for his punch on Mealamu.

"You try and react instinctively in situations and that instinct in that situation has proven to be the wrong one," he told reporters.

He also said he had no problems with Mealamu.

"Off the field we get on exceptionally well, but no, he and I have enormous respect for each other."

Jones also stuck to his loose-forward combination, despite conceding height at the back of the lineout to the All Blacks.

George Smith and David Lyons would back up locks Justin Harrison and Nathan Sharpe as lineout options, Jones praising Smith as a "special" player.

He said Radike Samo and John Roe came into consideration, but it was decided to stick with Smith.

"He gives us the balance of a ball-winner, good runner and the high workrate we need in the backrow."

The selectors also retained Matthew Burke, who came on and kicked a vital goal against the Springboks, in the 22. It will be his last test in Australia and if he is called upon, he will earn his 80th cap for the Wallabies.

- NZPA