Coach Robbie Deans is set to wheel out the big guns when the Wallabies face England at Twickenham in the second leg of the European tour next weekend.
Champion flanker David Pocock and winger Drew Mitchell are set to return from long-term injuries while potent attacking weapon Digby Ioane, prop Ben Alexander and second-rower Sitaleki Timani will also be available after overcoming issues.
Deans will be spoilt for choice when he sits down to pick his team for the England clash and it’s something he’s relishing following a nightmare run with injuries recently which has included stars Will Genia, James O’Connor and Quade Cooper.
The returning players are sure to create a pleasant selection headache for Deans.
“It’s a strange feeling. I haven’t had to make these choices for a while … it’s good,” he said.
Captain Nathan Sharpe says there are some positives to come out of the huge injury toll the Wallabies have suffered and the benefits will be long term for Australian rugby.
“That’s a good thing and a bit of a by-product of what we’ve been through is those guys coming back are not having to be rushed back into it, because some young guys have had exposure and done very well,” he said.
“It’s good for Australian rugby depth and that’s why this year’s been important.
“Because whilst we haven’t had a great result in terms of keeping guys on the field, we’ve encouraged and brought a lot of young guys through that have gained a lot from that experience they’ve had.”
Hooker Stephen Moore, on the tour after battling a hamstring problem, said fit-again players coming back have created tremendous competition for places in the squad.
“It’s healthy for the group,” Moore said.
“There’s plenty of guys ready to step in and that’s what you need when you’re playing as much rugby as we do.”