Standout test not needed - Sharpe

Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe says there is plenty of interest already for Melbourne's new Super 15 franchise

Rugby Union has another attempt at creating a foothold in Victoria tonight when the Wallabies and All Blacks meet in the Bledisloe Cup test at Etihad Stadium.

However, Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe does not believe a standout test match is essential for Melbourne's new Super 15 franchise. Sharpe, who is a foundation player for the Western Force, says the Victorian public is very sport savvy.

"There's plenty of interest here already for the Melbourne franchise and Melbourne people being the way they are they're very supportive of their local team, so the Wallaby team, I'm sure they're going to want to watch a great of rugby but their main focus is going to be getting behind the Melbourne rebels."

Sharpe plays his 84th test tonight, joining the legendary John Eales as the most capped lock in Wallabies history.