The man who could punish Wallabies for indiscipline

BRITISH and Irish Lions assistant coach Andy Farrell has accused the Wallabies of "living on the edge" of the law at the breakdown.

Leigh Halfpenny

BRITISH and Irish Lions assistant coach Andy Farrell has accused the Wallabies of "living on the edge" of the law at the breakdown and warned they will be punished by goal-kicking ace Leigh Halfpenny if they infringe in the first Test in Brisbane tonight.

With openside flanker Michael Hooper leading the way, the Wallabies are expected to have greater speed to the breakdown than the bigger Lions forwards, which will enable Australia to quickly recycle its own ball in attack and slow down the tourists' possession.

It is potentially a crucial advantage, which has not been lost on the Lions, who have only one openside flanker, captain Sam Warburton, in their match-day 23.

Farrell was clearly attempting to influence New Zealand referee Chris Pollock as well as sow the seed of doubt in the minds of the Wallabies by reminding them of Halfpenny's prowess with the boot. The fullback is yet to miss a kick at goal on tour and has a range which extends up to 60m.

"I think he (Halfpenny) says to the opposition without a shadow of a doubt that first of all you've got to be disciplined," Farrell said.

"Australia at the breakdown like to live on the edge. I think the referee we've got tends to referee the breakdown very vigorously."

Farrell, who is the Lions' defence coach, has warned the players not to underestimate the attacking threat of Wallabies five-eighth James O'Connor even though he is in a playmaking role.

O'Connor, who will be playing in only his second Test at five-eighth, has earned the majority of his 37 caps as a strike weapon on the wing or at fullback.

"He is obviously a talented guy," Farrell said. "He has not played much at 10, especially at Test level. A lot has been made of the fact that he's got help around him in Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper and Will Genia etc.

"I'm sure the last three weeks they have been working on combinations.

"Obviously, O'Connor is a tremendous runner of the ball. We've not just got to look at him facilitating for the rest of the team, we have to recognise the threat he poses on the defence as well."

Farrell expected Barnes, who is playing fullback, to share the playmaking duties with O'Connor, while the Wallabies have a third ball-distributor in inside centre Christian Lealiifano.

"He (Barnes) was man of the series on Wales' tour of Australia last year," Farrell said. "He has been influential over the past couple of years in how they play and that's why they have put him in there with O'Connor.

"He understands and recognises the game plan, the tactical side of the game. He will definitely be a help to James."

Barnes will also provide direction to code-hopper Israel Folau, who is making his Test debut on the Wallabies' right wing.

A dual international himself, Farrell said it was a "tough ask" to play Folau on the wing after he had spent most of his time with the NSW Waratahs at fullback,

"We obviously know he is quality," Farrell said.

"He seems to find a way to get his hands free and offload and make things happen. We heard Robbie (Deans) say that yesterday. It's true in that regard.

"But he has played on the wing once this year.

"It is a massive cog to the defence system. You've got to be able to get that right. You would think experience helps you to do that.

"Playing at fullback is a little

bit different. You can find your way into the game. As a wing you have to find your way within the system to get yourself into the attack as well."