Rugby: More Wallabies gunning for No8 slot

Wycliff Palu (left) feels the All Black heat at Eden Park in his only test appearance this winter. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Wallabies enforcer Wycliff Palu has welcomed the challenge of David Pocock to his No8 jersey ahead of the Rugby World Cup and says he isn't the only player gunning for the spot.

Palu admits competition for places has the Wallabies thriving ahead of their test against the United States in Chicago on September 5 before they meet Fiji in Cardiff 18 days later in Australia's World Cup opener.

"It's always a challenge no matter who I'm up against," Palu said.

"Not just [from] Pocock, but we've Benny McCalman there and Sean [McMahon] who could probably slot in at eight. It's good competition for that spot and it's something that we really enjoy."

The 33-year-old Palu feels refreshed after being rested from the three-test Rugby Championship which Australia won.

He only has 40 minutes of club rugby and half a test match under his belt ahead of the clash with the Eagles in the Windy City, but feels in good shape after training up to three times a day.

"Everyone has stepped up their own personal training and that's added to the team," he said. "I'm feeling a lot better now than I did a few weeks ago, that's for sure."

Palu's only test appearance of the Wallabies' winter campaign was in the hammering from the All Blacks at Eden Park two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Palu said the Wallabies are learning to love to do the set-piece under the guidance of former Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma, who played in four World Cups for the Pumas.

"He's very good. Just the passion he brings to the scrum and the lineout, it's something we really need as a forward pack."

- AAP