X-factor forward Scott Higginbotham insists he’s tough enough for Test rugby’s trench warfare but has a battle to convince Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.

Once again left out of Australia’s starting pack against Argentina, a disappointed Higginbotham has been forced to swallow his pride and excel as an impact weapon off the bench.

It’s a role the raw-boned back-rower has played well in the Rugby Championship, giving the Wallabies extra energy and a line-breaking threat on the fringes against the All Blacks and South Africa.

But while it’s a role he’s enjoyed, it’s not one he wants to play.

“All 23 have a role to play but in saying that, especially at this level, every player wants to start,” Higginbotham said. “Of course, I’m disappointed.”

McKenzie has preferred Wycliff Palu and Ben McCalman in the No.8 jersey ahead of the Melbourne Rebels skipper due to their superior close-quarters abilities in defence and at the ruck.

Higginbotham stresses he too can mix it with the big boys in the fierce opening exchanges, and also be an attacking game-breaker – busting tackles and popping off-loads – near the death.

“He keeps telling me that I have that X-factor and what he wants from me is to get more work out of myself first at the tackles and the breakdowns and then the other stuff will come naturally,” the athletic 195cm forward said.

“I’ve just got to prove to him that I can do everything.

“Over the length of my career I’ve done everything, I just have to put it all in front of him and he’ll see that I can do the job.

“It’s about making it harder for them not to pick you.”

Higginbotham, 28 last week, isn’t the only experienced Wallaby fighting to transform himself from reserve to starter.

Former Test captain James Horwill and electric utility back Kurtley Beale are two who also made a strong second-half impact for a comeback 24-23 win over the Springboks in Perth.

The performances will be rewarded to some degree with McKenzie on Thursday revealing they should all get more minutes against the Pumas on Saturday night at the Gold Coast.

“The impact of the bench last week was terrific so that means they all deserve more time,” he said.

“But one thing that doesn’t change is everyone wants to start.

“(Higginbotham) was great in the back-end of the game and that’s where the tries get scored but you have to set the game up.”