Frustrated by his limited role at the Rugby World Cup, Scott Higginbotham is determined to seize his chance on the Wallabies’ tour to Britain in Rocky Elsom’s absence.
Blindside flanker Higginbotham, a key figure in Queensland’s Super Rugby championship win, started just one game at the World Cup, against Wales in the playoff for third place.
Bad luck played a role as he was named to start against the United States in a pool match only to be ruled out after suffering back spasms at training.
With Elsom sidelined from the two-match tour to the UK with a hamstring injury, Higginbotham gets a golden opportunity to stake his claim to the Wallabies No.6 jumper for 2012.
“It’s always frustrating when you’re not playing and not getting much time off the bench but it’s just about taking your opportunities and that’s what I’ll be looking to do on this tour,” Higginbotham said.
“This is a great opportunity for me and plenty of other guys like Ben Lucas, Ben Tapuai and Rob Horne, who also didn’t much time on the (World Cup) tour. It’s a great young squad.”
The tour opens with a clash at Twickenham against the Barbarians on November 26 and concludes with a Test against Wales in Cardiff on December 3.
“Wales was the only game I played the full 80 minutes in the World Cup and it was one of the toughest games I played all year,” Higginbotham said.
“Coming from the Reds, it was like playing against the Reds. They play a very similar game … they play a very quick, expansive game.
“The Barbarians also play a very expansive game, and I’m really looking forward to both matches.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Mils Muliaina believes the experienced veteran could be a perfect fit for the Wallabies.
There are three rounds left in the regular season and it’s do-or-die for several sides, including the seven-time back-to-back champions the Crusaders. Who’d have…
Anyone who has read things I’ve written in rugby forums before knows that I am the guy who bangs on about junior rugby participation…
The 'Rugby Heaven' panel gave their verdict on the Wallabies fly-half options nearing the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Noah Lolesio has…
In eight weeks or so a Wallaby will run onto the smooth field in Sydney with a number 15 on his back to set…
In Joseph Heller's wonderful novel, Catch-22, the title refers to an insoluble logical dilemma that faces the hero Yossarian in his efforts to avoid…
