Rugby: Front row pair to strengthen Wallabies

Wallabies front row stalwart Benn Robinson and Stephen Moore will return from long-term injuries in the Australian squad for the Tri-Nations to be announced today, with a couple of bolters also likely to earn a call-up.

Waratahs prop Robinson and Brumbies hooker Moore each missed Australia's first four in-bound tests of the campaign after suffering injuries in the latter stages of the Super 14 tournament.

Their return will greatly bolster an otherwise inexperienced front row contingent who struggled in two tests against England before producing an improved performance against Ireland.

While coach Robbie Deans blooded props Ben Daley, Salesi Ma'fu, and James Slipper and hookers Saia Faingaa and Huia Edmonds in those tests, any other uncapped players named are likely to fall outside the front row.

Faingaa's twin brother Anthony, 23, is considered a decent chance of joining his sibling in the squad.

While Deans is loath to single out individuals, he did nominate Queensland second five-eighths Anthony Faingaa as a standout following his performances for the Australian Barbarians in their two-match series against England.

A direct runner and strong defender, Anthony Faingaa would give Deans a different style at No 12, as opposed to playmakers Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes.

The Australian selectors may also look at promoting a young uncapped lock to their squad.

Barbarians representatives Rob Simmons of Queensland and Kane Douglas of NSW have both displayed plenty of potential, with the former, possibly, slightly ahead.

With established lock James Horwill one of several long-term injured players not considered for the Tri-Nations, Deans could look to add to supplement his second row stocks.

Nathan Sharpe, the most experienced lock in the squad, will return after injury forced him to miss the last test against Ireland.

Among other long-term casualties not coming into Tri-Nations calculations are prop Ben Alexander, former captain and centre Stirling Mortlock, No 8 Wycliff Palu, Stephen Hoiles and lock Peter Kimlin.

However, some players who may not make Australia's Tri-Nations opener against South Africa in Brisbane on July 24, could still be included.

Among them will be hard-running back Digby Ioane.

However, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, who may play club rugby this month, despite being booked in for an ankle operation, is unlikely to be named in the 30-man squad.

With Palu and Hoiles ruled out of the Tri-Nations, the selectors might have to be creative in looking for a back-up to Richard Brown, the only specialist No 8 in the most recent squad. Queensland back-rower Scott Higginbotham is a possible candidate, although he is only just coming back from injury.

Anthony Faingaa apart, there is unlikely to be many surprises in the backline.

Deans is believed to have watched injury-prone Force outside back Cameron Shepherd play club rugby last weekend. Shepherd only returned to Super rugby late in the season, but has already accrued nine test caps and would add greater bulk to a lightweight Wallaby backline.

Waratahs winger Drew Mitchell struggled a little in the past couple of tests after an outstanding Super campaign, but could hold his place after an outstanding game at club level last weekend.

- AAP