Lack of depth could cost Wallabies | Thebigtip

Wallabies squad to play Springboks - by Greg Growden at smh.com.au

DESPITE threats of major changes to make the team bigger, tougher and better, the Wallabies have opted for more of the same for their Tri Nations match against the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday night.

In a glaring example of how Australian rugby is shackled by lack of players, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has, shortly after calling for more aggression, stuck with all but the same pack. And after initially dropping Drew Mitchell, he has been forced to  select him on the wing.

Due to injuries and a lack of serious competition for numerous positions, several players who are suffering from form fluctuations have held their spots because the alternatives are simply not enticing enough.

Clearly the push  to show more mongrel has been put on hold, with Scott Higginbotham and Ben McCalman not included, although Reds second-rower Rob Simmons has made the bench.

Even the Springboks were yesterday anticipating Higginbotham would be part of the Wallabies’ back row, but  he has been held back as the selectors believe the Reds back-rower needs more football after being sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.

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