Howley: Wants Wales to be streetwise

Having seen his Test team undone at the tackle area by the Wallabies back row in Brisbane last weekend, Howley wants to use the Tuesday night game in the Australian capital as the starting point for a fight back on the floor.

"We have to be more streetwise and adaptable. You have to play to the referee's strengths," said Howley.

"We weren't streetwise enough in the contact area in the first Test and that is something we are looking at this week. The contact area is the most important area in the game because of turnovers at the tackle area.

"We weren't as efficient as we should have been in our support systems and we weren't as effective in removing the threats as we should have been. That's something we have to address."

The Brumbies have been the surprise package in Super Rugby this season and are the leading Australian side. But coach Jake White is missing eight players on international duty and has selected a relatively inexperienced side.

Wales have lost twice to the Brumbies in the past and Howley knows all about the potential firepower contained within their ranks after playing in a 69-30 defeat in 1996.

"They had a pretty potent back line in 1996 and beat us with 60-odd points. This season they have been a surprise package in the Super 15," said Howley, who scored two tries in the game 16 years ago.

"They kick a lot and go to the air a lot, so our back three will have to work hard. But this is an opportunity for these players to play in the national jersey and push their claims for Test places.

"On a lot of tours the midweek side becomes very important in terms of attitude and this group were out training a 9am the morning after the first Test. Some of the boys are backing up, but we are confident in our fitness and where we are with this team because they had a game against the Barbarians.

"Competition for places has been a big ingredient in our performances of late and we have a good blend of experience with youth in the side."

Cardiff Blues' 19-year-old winger Harry Robinson gets another chance to shine after scoring a try on his Test debut against the Barbarians, while at the other end of the experience scale the Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones will captain the side.

The skipper has been pleased with the quality of player he will be leading out in the midweek engagement.

"In the past we have had depth in the Welsh squad, but not strength in depth. Right across the board we have talent and that bodes well for selection," said Jones.

"It shows the production line from the regional rugby academies is working pretty well. This game on Tuesday is a shop window for all the players, a game in which to put up your hand to try to win another cap."

Melbourne Rebels skipper Gareth Delve will be among the replacements having replaced the injured Toby Faletau in the tour party.

But while Faletau is out of the tour and heading home, Howley is confident that his other fitness doubts - wing George North (dead leg) and centre Scott Williams (facial injury) - will be fit for selection for the second Test in Melbourne.

"They are minor injuries. We are hoping George might train on Monday afternoon and Scott on Thursday after a rest day on Wednesday," said Howley.