Tireless back-rower Richard Brown has warned the Wallabies must quickly lift their game at the breakdown to ensure they're primed for the tough Tests ahead.

Italy never challenged a slick Australia on the scoreboard in Canberra during Saturday's first Test but continually frustrated the home side who struggled to clean them out at the tackle area in the 31-8 win.

Brown fully expects coach Robbie Deans to focus heavily on improving Australia's breakdown physicality and execution in preparations for Saturday's second Test in Melbourne, particularly with a confident France next up and the Tri-Nations starting in a month.

The No.8 said the Azzurri effectively stopped the Wallabies flow and continuity through their disruptive play in the ruck, while Australia also needed to counter-ruck more on the visitors' ball.

"I think that will really be our focus going through the training week through to the next game," Brown told AAP from Melbourne.

"We need to step that area up this week if we are going to be serious about the Tri-Nations.

"We need to start addressing little problems now so they don't become big problems later.

"It's something the whole team has to address but especially for myself it's something I need to work on."

Brown, who only made his Test debut in last year's Tri-Nations decider in September, has ensured the injured Wycliff Palu (broken hand) will have a tough battle to regain his starting role.

But the man nicknamed "Brown Dog" believes he must lose his enthusiastic puppy-like ways and become more controlled and precise to provide more impact from the back of the scrum.

"When I made my debut I was a bundle of excitement and nervous energy, now I'm in this position where I've played a few Tests and strung a few together," he said. "I feel I'm holding a lot of responsibility now.

"I'm not like just some young puppy that's chasing others tails. I'm trying to be more consistent and in control of the way I play now rather than just be headless."

The need for greater impact at the breakdown could see specialist ball-pilferers David Pocock or Phil Waugh considered to partner George Smith but that move would rob size and height from the set pieces.

While Deans has kept his cards extremely close to his chest, indications are there will only be minor changes to the starting team for the Etihad Stadium clash.

The last time the two teams met at the ground, Lote Tuqiri scored four tries in a thumping 2005 win under Eddie Jones.

But Tuqiri, unable to help Sydney club side West Harbour claim victory on the weekend, may again be forced to bide his time on the sidelines.

There could be an opening for the star winger with Lachie Turner copping a head knock in Canberra but Peter Hynes, the 2008 rookie of the year, is available once again after shrugging off knee problems in an impressive Brisbane club return.

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