CONCERNED Australian rugby union coach Greg Smith yesterday called on Wayne Pearce, an Australian rugby league tackling inject some venom into defence in advance of Saturday's international against South Africa in Sydney.

Australian rugby slumped to its lowest ebb in the slush of Wellington's Athletic Park last Saturday when the All Blacks powered to a record 43-6 win in the opening Tri-Nations match.

It was evident from the 90-minute session that Pearce felt the Wallabies needed to make fundamental changes to the way they approached players with the ball and also the height of their tackles.

"Generally, they're pretty sound defenders, but the main thing they weren't doing against the All Blacks, was taking the line forward," said Pearce.