Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is far from impressed with his side's work at the breakdown after three internationals so far this season.

Deans has challenged his forwards to improve every aspect of their work at the contest, including their enthusiasm, as the Australians prepare to take on the physical French at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

"The French will target our breakdowns, it's not difficult to see that coming and they exposed the All Blacks in that area," Deans told reporters on Tuesday.

"It's not at the level that we'd like yet on all fronts, to be honest, on technique, on understanding of role play and on general enthusiasm."

Deans' comments came as he unusually named two openside flankers, young gun David Pocock and veteran Phil Waugh, on his bench for Saturday's Test.

That move will boost the Wallabies' breakdown capability but is also partly so starting openside George Smith can cover No.8, the position he played in last Saturday's second Test against Italy.

Halfback Luke Burgess said he was confident of his forwards winning clean ball.

"They've been training hard and we've made improvements, especially against European sides," Burgess said.

"It's obviously against one team so far, against Italy, but we're expecting France to be really tough at the breakdown and our forwards have been doing well there, well they've been improving.

"We experienced some difficulty against them last year in France but if you're aware of it then you can deal with it so it's all about being aware of it."

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