Australia captain Stirling Mortlock admits his side remain on high alert ahead of Saturday's clash against Italy following the inclusion of rugby league convert Craig Gower.

While bookmakers are convinced the Azzurri have no chance of causing an upset at Canberra Stadium, the skipper is not so certain.

"We're very wary of the Italians," said Mortlock. "In particular at the set-piece and the physicality that they bring to the breakdown and the tackle area, and also I guess there's a bit more of the unknown with (Craig) Gower there at number 10."

He continued: "I've seen some footage of him for his club (Bayonne) and he's going pretty well and there's a bit of an unknown there.

"He's played a lot of top-line rugby league and we're going into the game prepared that he'll play a pretty solid part in their attack and defence."