The Wallabies' heavyweight rivals have been warned maturing halfback Luke Burgess will present major headaches once his forward pack iron out early-season wobbles.

Burgess was a standout against Italy on Saturday night, providing most of the spark for a second-string Australian side which struggled to put the lowly Azzurri away at Etihad Stadium.

The Waratah No.9's sniping from the rucks and improved service to five-eighth Berrick Barnes showed he was on the right track for this week's clash with France and the Tri-Nations, starting in a month.

Coach Robbie Deans, who has given Burgess starts ahead of back-up Josh Valentine in all three matches this month, expected even more from the halfback and his backline when Australia's forwards provide better ball.

Deans said Burgess was already picking his moments to run or pass.

"And if we continue to improve our platform for him, he's going to create a challenge for all of our opponents," Deans said.

"But most importantly our blokes will be very excited about working off him because there is scope there and we've got some blokes very capable of doing that."

Deans' persistence in Burgess, whose unreliable passing game let him down in 2008, is starting to pay off, with his dangerous darts to also take pressure off Barnes and chief playmaker Matt Giteau.

"He creates uncertainty and it does help," Deans said. "It gives the 10 more time and space through uncertainty of the defence as to who is going to threaten the line."

Australia finished the 34-12 win over Italy with his three openside flankers - the ever-improving George Smith, young gun Dave Pocock and reserve Phil Waugh - on the field.

Deans denied he was contemplating starting all three ball pilferers against the physical French at ANZ Stadium.

"You can't rule anything out but it's unlikely you will see that from the start," he said.

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