Queensland rugby union captain James Horwill is hopeful most of the Reds’ 15-strong contingent in the Wallabies squad will have a chance to show their wares in Sunday’s Test against Samoa.
Australian coach Robbie Deans said in the lead-up to the Super Rugby decider, he would look at resting Reds’ players, depending on their workload throughout the finals.
The Wallabies’ first Tri-Nations encounter comes just six days after the opening Test of the season, further fuelling speculation stars like playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia will be wrapped in cotton wool.
The 15 Brisbane-based players joined the Wallabies’ camp in Sydney on Tuesday after celebrating their 18-13 win over the Crusaders with a ticker-tape parade on Monday.
Horwill suggests his Queensland team-mates will be training this week, all hopeful of playing against Samoa.
“Most of the (Reds) guys I’ve spoken to are pretty keen to play,” Horwill said.
“With selections and things, obviously Robbie and the coaching staff have a plan of what they’re thinking about, so we’ll have a discussion about that over the next little bit.
“But, at the moment, all the guys I’ve spoken to are keen.”
Horwill, who sat out the 2010 international season due to a knee reconstruction, will be doing everything possible to earn a berth this weekend.
“I’d love to play. I’m good to go. After missing out last year, I haven’t played a Test match in nearly 18 months, so I’d relish any opportunity to get back out there,” he said.
“I’m fit and putting my hand up. Obviously, selection will determine that – but I want to play.
“We haven’t had a chance to have a chat – but if he (Deans) asks me, I’ll definitely give him the answer that I want to play.
“After (my) last year, it’s been almost a dream year so far so, hopefully, it can continue.”
The Wallabies will name their squad on Wednesday for the clash with Samoa.
grumblebum
Guest
Agree with Former Openside. However, did Greg Holmes forget to sugar Robbie Dean's tea? Holmes plays both sides of the scrum and must be a mile ahead of Awkward Al Baxter & Slow as a Snail Selese Maa'fu, on recent form. At least he'll go a full 80 minutes & can take some heavy knocks.
PeterK
Roar Guru
First of all you have to play players who dont have much recent rugby. Vickerman, Elsom, Kepu, JoC, Davies, Ioane. Then try new players to see how they go at test level Phipps, Timani
johnny-boy
Guest
The Samoans can be pretty brutal in the tackle - I wouldnt risk too many front liners myself
Who Needs Melon
Guest
Surely, no disrespect to Samoa, this is a match for us to trial some cusp players, center combinations, etc. I want to see how The following players perform at Wallaby level: - Elsom - Vickerman - AAC - Gerrard - McCabe - Samo - A faingaa - Phipps And I want to see if we can find some center combination that semi-works. E.g. Is Giteau a square peg in a round hole? I know this might mean a lot of chopping and changing during the match but I think that's what we need to do.
formeropenside
Guest
Looks like Ben Robbo out now for the weekend. I'd go Reds heavy for this one, if only because winning a title should count for something come selection time. Daley Moore Kepu if fit, Alexander if not Horwill Sharpe Elsom - only because this is what Deans will do. I'd have Higgy Pocock Samo Genia Cooper Davies A. Faingaa AACooper Ioane Beale (although the mail is Gerrard) S.Faingaa Slipper (ahead of Alexander off the bench if Kepu is fit) Simmons Higgy Phipps Giteau whichever of Beale or Gerrard did not make it