He's endured a ferocious examination in his fledgling Test career, but Caleb Timu insists he's not feeling any added pressure being the one big bopper in the Wallabies back row.
Timu has started at No.8 alongside Australia's champion flankers Michael Hooper and David Pocock in the first two Tests against Ireland.
Significantly taller and heavier than his back-row colleagues, the 24-year-old from the Queensland Reds is the power runner of the trio, though he hasn't yet transferred his excellent Super Rugby form to Test level.
"I don't think I feel any added pressure," Timu said.
But he's looking to lift his number of ball carries in the deciding Test in Sydney on Saturday after getting an early knock in Melbourne last weekend.
"That was my goal for the last game, I tried to get in as many touches as I could," Timu said.
"But after my first run, I got a little clip to my ankle and just tried to work through that.
"But definitely that's why I'm here, to carry the ball and get us some go forward, so I want to continue to work with that."
He said is ankle was good after icing it.
"Got a knock to the ankle bone so nothing too serious, just a bit of bruising," he said.
Timu acknowledged the Tests, especially the second one, were the most intense and ferocious games he had played in.
"Definitely, it's the next level and they are the second best team in the world,"" Timu said.
"A big step, but it''s something I'm enjoying at the moment.
'It's been good, it's been a challenge, but I've always been up for a challenge and I've enjoyed the pace and the physicality."
Timu said preparation at training was the key to Australia performing better at the breakdown after they were outpointed in that area in the second Test.
"There's a lot to look at and to really improve on, but we can definitely turn things around," Timu said.
"We just understand how big this week is and everyone is positive.
"The attitude is we're learning from our mistakes."
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