At least three forwards could make their test debut in the Wallabies rugby season opener against Fiji in Canberra on Saturday but the make-up of the inside backs is invoking even more curiosity.
Injuries to forwards Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, James Horwill and David Pocock and halfback Will Genia will
force at least five changes to the team that impressively defeated Wales in Australia's final test of last year.
Australia will field at least one front row debutant, with Moore and his spring tour deputy Tatafu Polota-Nau both on the casualty list.
Of the two new uncapped hookers, the Brumbies Huia Edmonds has been playing top-flight rugby longer than Reds rake Saia Faingaa, but this season has been deployed mainly off the bench behind Moore.
"I have been on the bench for a while ... I'd like a single digit on the back of my shirt," Edmonds said today.
Coach Robbie Deans is also certain to blood at least one, if not more, of his three uncapped props (Laurie Weeks, Ben Daley and Salesi Ma'afu) though the debutant might come off the bench.
The Fiji test could also bring a long-awaited Test cap for consistent Force back-rower Matt Hodgson.
Last year, the unlucky Hodgson played in a non-cap game against the Barbarians and also appeared in the two midweek matches on the spring tour but, again, those outings didn't earn full Wallabies status.
It was a frustrating year for the late-blooming back rower who spent much of the season as part of the squad, but had his international aspirations stymied by a mid-season shoulder injury.
"It was definitely disappointing at the start, getting into the squad, then getting into the side and then getting injured," Hodgson said today.
Hodgson was adamant being able to play all three back-row positions helped, not hindered, his test aspirations, though his versatility could see him end up on the bench rather than in the run on side.
His Force teammate Richard Brown will vie with the recalled Stephen Hoiles for the No.8 spot vacated by Palu.
"I'm sure, 100 per cent, if Cliffy was fit he would be in the team," Brown said.
Deans has previously favoured Brown over Hoiles, though the former said the Brumbies skipper had enjoyed a great Super season.
Genia's place will go to either the Waratahs' Luke Burgess or the Brumbies' Josh Valentine while other players expected to return to the side are lock Nathan Sharpe in place of Horwill.
Plenty of interest has centred on the key playmaking spots, with the suggestion first five-eighth Matt Giteau and second-five Quade Cooper could swap places, especially after the latter's sublime form for Queensland which won him the Australian Super player of the series award.
Both players were diplomatic about their preferred position, with Cooper stating he would be pretty comfortable remaining at inside centre for the Wallabies.
"If I was to play inside or outside him, I would be pleased just being in the side," Cooper said.
Both men pointed out there were times on the tour last year when they swapped positions.
"I think it's much easier going from 10 to 12 than it is going from 12 to 10" Giteau said.
- AAP
At least three forwards could make their test debut in the Wallabies rugby season opener against Fiji in Canberra on Saturday but the make-up of the inside backs is invoking even more curiosity.
Injuries to forwards Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, James Horwill and David Pocock and halfback Will Genia will
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.