The Sports Corner

Deans quiet on possible replacements

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has remained tight lipped on any plans to send a mayday home for reinforcements ahead of this Saturday’s blockbuster test against the English at Twickenham.

With inside backs Timana Tahu and Berrick Barnes all but on a plane home to Australia after injuries against Italy, Deans was unmoved by reporters questions about possible replacements outside of his 34 man touring squad.

The thought must have crossed Deans mind though, with Quade Cooper having 20 minutes international experience and being the only specialist flyhalf left in the squad after star Matt Giteau.

While it would seem that Cooper is almost certain to take a spot on the bench against England as Giteau’s shadow, reporters have speculated that Waratahs duo Kurtley Beale and Daniel Halangahu are close to receiving phone calls and a ticket to London. Neither seems likely to figure in the English Test, but may come into calculations with future matches against France, Wales and the Barbarians still to come.

Meanwhile star winger Lote Tuquiri’s injury has responded well to treatment and after being doubtful for this weekend’s match, and may be named on the bench.

Versatile forward Hugh McMerriman is also pressuring incumbent lock Mark Chisholm and blindside flanker Dean Mumm for a position in the run on team after a solid hitout against Italy. Deans likes the agile McMerriman’s size as a third receiver in the lineout, and his speed and aggression around the breakdown.

Ryan Cross, who was not named against the Italians seems the likely benefactor of Barne’s injury and is almost certain to be named at outside centre against the English.

Captain Stirling Mortlock will be moved to inside centre to provide support to Giteau. The big hard running centre duo were strong against the All Black’s line in Hong Kong, but many observers relished the addition of playmaker Barnes to the lineup which would allow Giteau to slide further down the line at times in attack.

It may be a void which Quade Cooper can fill late in the second half, where he played against Italy and managed to show deft tactical kicking to go along with his elusive running.

English manager Martin Johnson knows his side will have its work cut out against the Wallabies. In somewhat more restrained terms than he told reporters shortly after the English defeated the Pacific Islanders.

“We’ll have to be better next week,” Johnson told the British media. ”It’s definitely another step up. Australia are very smart, very organised and have an astute coach. They always get the best out of themselves and test you as an opponent if they think you have any weak points.”

“We’ll have to lift our intensity but that will come. It’s Australia, in front of a full house. It will be full on.”