The Wallabies have lost some much-needed aggression ahead of their series for the British and Irish Lions with combative backrower Scott Higginbotham to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
The Melbourne Rebels captain had been in career-best form before dislocating his shoulder in the Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds last Saturday.
He was initially hopeful he could play a role in at least one of the three Tests against the touring Lions but further scans have revealed extensive ligament damage requiring a full reconstruction.
The loss of No.8 or blindside flanker Higginbotham, 26, leaves the Wallabies pack more vulnerable and short on hard men against a big and physical Lions pack.
It was already depleted by the loss of experienced openside flankers David Pocock (knee) and George Smith (knee), who was looking to play in his second Lions series, as well as giant lock Sitaleki Timani (thumb).
Melbourne coach Damien Hill said his captain would not be easily replaced.
“I think he will be missed because I’d be hard-pressed to think of another backrower in the Australian team that matches him in all the areas like performance, leadership, enthusiasm and physicality,” said Hill.
“I know he would be hurting that he’s going to miss the opportunity, particularly since he’s been in such cracking form and you’d think he’d be a starting six or eight.”
Higginbotham’s presence has helped transform the Rebels into a competitive outfit this season, almost adding Queensland to their growing list of scalps before a late fade-out following his second-half injury.
“What Scott does very well is lead by example,” Hill said.
“He’s exceptionally competitive and that’s what really comes through in his playing style.”
While powerful Wycliff Palu is expected to wear the No.8 jersey provided he overcomes a niggling knee problem, NSW captain Dave Dennis, uncapped Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen and the Force’s Ben McCalman will be in the running to be blindside flanker.
Called into the squad to replace Higginbotham, McCalman hasn’t played a Test since December 2011 due to serious shoulder and wrist injuries.
