It cost the Wallabies dearly at the last World Cup but Ewen McKenzie has gambled just like his predecessor, Robbie Deans, by overlooking a specialist back-up No.7.
McKenzie continued to surprise after just four Tests as Australia’s coach by dumping his latest former Queensland Reds favourite – ball-scavenging flanker Liam Gill – on Tuesday.
Gill joins Quade Cooper and Will Genia as influential Reds stars overlooked at some stage by their former Super Rugby mentor with his omission from the latest Wallabies’ 28-man tour party.
Instead versatile back-rower Ben McCalman will once again play the role as back-up openside flanker to in-form No.7 Michael Hooper in the Rugby Championship clashes with South Africa and Argentina.
McCalman was thrust into that role at the 2011 World Cup when Deans’ gamble dramatically backfired as David Pocock was injured before the pool match against Ireland at Auckland’s Eden Park.
The Western Force No.8 started and Australia was sorely exposed at the breakdown where the Irish dominated for a 15-6 upset.
But two years later, McKenzie believes power is more influential than speed at the tackle contest after the Wallabies were overpowered by the bigger Springboks pack in the painful 38-12 loss in Brisbane 10 days ago.
Gill was dropped from the bench after that game and 124kg piledriver Sitaleki Timani was brought in for the ugly 14-13 win over Argentina in the wet in Perth.
The Wallabies coach admitted 21-year-old Gill, a stand-out for the Reds this season, was unlucky but it shows their desire to impose themselves more physically.
“South Africa and Argentina are always brutal games, so you need to give an edge to physicality in your selections,” McKenzie said.
“You need to fight fire with fire to some extent and it’s pretty clear that we’ve brought in added size as well as more experience for these next two games.”
The experience has come in the form of recalled stalwart prop Benn Robinson, as well as fit-again skipper James Horwill, to beef up and stabilise Australia’s worryingly shaky scrum.
Between them, the two tight-five veterans have a combined 99 caps worth of experience.
“That’s invaluable when you are playing in hostile environments away from home,” McKenzie said.
Robinson was contentiously overlooked for the opening four Rugby Championship Tests but the Wallaby pack’s struggles with the new soft-engagement laws prompted his return in favour of Scott Sio.
“He’s not going to be overawed by the environment or the games we’ve got to play – two difficult games,” McKenzie said of the 59-Test Waratah.
“Cape Town against the Boks and Rosario against Argentina – you couldn’t find more complicated games to play on the road.
“I don’t think anyone is going to back us to win these next two games but there is a terrific opportunity to continue to improve and surprise a few people.”
Backing Horwill to remain as captain ahead of Ben Mowen, McKenzie was confident the lock would overcome his hamstring strain to start on Saturday week in Cape Town where the Wallabies last won in 1992.
Brumbies winger Joe Tomane is in line to replace Nick Cummins (broken hand) while uncapped Reds duo Albert Anae and Chris Feuai-Sautia have also been added to the squad.
