Veteran Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe expects new coach Robbie Deans to implement a rotation policy and believes the team may not have their mentor's style bedded down until the Tri-Nations rugby tournament.

The Wallabies have had two training sessions under Deans, since the New Zealand-born coach took over the job after completing another triumphant Super 14 campaign with the Crusaders.

The Australians suffered an injury blow on Wednesday, with in form Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau ruled out of Saturday week's season-opening Test against Ireland with a small break in his right hand.

He underwent surgery on Wednesday and will be reassessed prior to the two Test series against France starting later this month.

With two other hookers, Adam Freier and Stephen Moore, in the squad, Deans opted against calling up another rake.

Lock Dan Vickerman successfully underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and was still expected to be fit for the start of the Tri-Nations.

Winger Lote Tuqiri has yet to train under Deans because of a knee knock suffered in the Super 14 final, but was in no doubt for the Ireland Test.

Force forward Sharpe compared the initial training sessions under Deans at Manly Oval to being like the first day at a new school.

"I think Robbie's approach to the culture of the team is really coming through in early days," Sharpe said.

"The first training session there was quite a bit of difference in terms of how he wants the team to attack and defend, so he's going to do a fair bit of work in terms to getting guys used to that style of play.

"I think it will be a bit of slowly slowly, the knowledge will start seeping into the team over a number of weeks and a number of games.

"I think he realises if he tries to do too much too quickly that it might have dramatic affects on the way the team plays, so little by little bit will slowly put it into place.

"Hopefully by the time the Tri-Nations comes along, the team will be starting to play the way he wants to play.

"I think one of the most pleasing things for the guys is that he wants to play what's in front of us rather than being really structured and orientated towards playing pre-determined phases.

"He just wants guys in the right position and then make decisions and back yourself.

"That's a good thing for all the boys in the squad to know, because if the coach backs you to make the right decisions then 90 per cent of the time hopefully you will."

Sharpe said looking at Deans's method of doing things, it seemed like everyone in the squad would get some game time.

"I think that's a good thing for a squad to have, that it's just not the same guys playing week in week out," Sharpe said.

"I think everyone knows they will be getting an opportunity at some stage and they will just want to make the most of it."

With Vickerman sidelined for the three inbound Tests, Sharpe will have a new second row partner, with Mark Chisholm or the relatively inexperienced James Horwill (one cap) and the uncapped Dean Mumm also vying for time.

"They are very talented guys, they are going to be playing for Australia for a long time and already they are very important part of the team," Sharpe said.

"I'm a mate of Vicks' and really enjoying playing games with him, so it's a bit disappointing, but hopefully we will get another chance to play together."

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