Pat McCabe has made his name as a Wallabies battering ram, but the courageous centre wants to show there’s plenty more dimensions to his game on Saturday night.
Coach Robbie Deans has had no hesitation in rushing McCabe straight back from injury to get Australia over the advantage line and on the front foot against a rugged Argentine outfit at Skilled Park.
The 24-year-old’s fearless hard-running game and reliable, tough defence have made him a Deans’ favourite.
However McCabe’s loyal, blinkered approach also make him a maligned figure with many fans who want to see passes spun across a creative Wallabies backline.
The last time the same 10, 12, 13 trio of Quade Cooper, McCabe and Adam Ashley-Cooper lined up together, in the dour 2011 World Cup quarter-final win over South Africa, he was among Australia’s best but Ashley-Cooper never once received the ball.
The Brumbies winger-turned-centre believes he can prove he’s got a passing game and some creativity if the Wallabies can recycle quality ball at the breakdown.
“I love to get my hands on the ball,” he said. “I think if we can be effective in the contact first-up and then hopefully spaces open up for guys like me and Coopy.
“I’d love to see some space. I haven’t had a great deal when I’ve played in the Wallabies jersey and I’d really love to have that.”
McCabe returned from stress fractures in his foot in last weekend’s Canberra club grand final and 33 minutes of play was enough to convince Deans he was ready for a Rugby Championship recall against the aggressive Pumas.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence from Robbie that he thinks I can come straight back in and play well straight away,” he said. “I really do appreciate that and hopefully I can return the favour by playing well.
“Getting over the advantage line on first phase is hopefully where it will start for us and hopefully I can play a role in that.”