Brotherly advice for Cockbain

Matt Cockbain is ready to make his presence felt

Wales v Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Sunday 25 November, live on BBC2, kick-off 1500 GMT.

Recalled Australian lock Matt Cockbain is hoping to get some inside information before the match with Wales, on Sunday - from his brother Brett.

Brett is plying his trade at Pontypridd these days, and Cockbain the elder is keen to use his knowledge of the local scene.

"I'm not sure of a lot of the players who have been selected for Wales," said Matt.

"Hopefully Brett can help me out with some information about the players in the pack and how they have been going.

Brett Cockbain is enjoying his time at Pontypridd

"He is enjoying his time in Wales, and is always being asked about my contract situation.

"I have no plans to move at the moment. I have signed for two more years with Queensland and that will take me up until the next World Cup.

"I will see how that goes, see how the body feels and weigh up my options after that."

Cockbain, who has been called into the Wallabies' side as a replacement for Justin Harrison, is in line to earn his 44th cap - this time from the start.

His last six have come as a replacement, but the 29-year-old is keen to stress the importance of changes in the modern game.

"These days you have to use your bench as much as possible. There are fresh legs available and you have to make use of them.

"We work on a 22-man squad mentality where everyone gets paid the same, everyone does the same training and, if they get the chance to get on, everyone wants to play well."

Scott Quinnell will prove hard for the Aussies to stop

The Aussies are coming to the end of an 11-month season, but were surprised to be given a day off by the management earlier in the week.

"It did come as a bit of a shock," said Cockbain. "But the coach thought the squad needed it.

"Tiredness is an issue and I think the situation will have to be looked at. Possibly they will have to look at the break given to players in the off season."

Cockbain is looking forward to signing off in style at the Millennium Stadium, though he can see one obstacle in the Wallabies' way - Scott Quinnell.

"He displayed a lot of talent in the Lions series. He is a very hard man to stop, and to tackle.

"I think if he gets going, especially now as captain, he can really lift the rest of the team."