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Wycliff Palu to be recalled for Australia's clash with New Zealand
By Jon Geddes
July 13, 2009
Australia are expected to muscle up their pack for the opening Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations in Auckland, by catapulting powerhouse backrower Wycliff Palu into the starting side.
The 120-kilogram New South Wales Waratahs strike weapon would add an extra dimension to the Australia arsenal with his explosive ball-running and pile-driving defence in their biggest challenge so far this season.
Palu didn't participate in the opening of the Wallabies campaign after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hand.
But he was recalled to the Tri-Nations squad and impressed with his work during the demanding training sessions in Sydney. He has also played two club games for Manly.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans revealed that Palu was in the mix to start against the All Blacks.
In a significant development, Palu had originally been named in the Manly side to play West Harbour at Concord Oval on Saturday, but ended up on the sideline running the water.
Deans dropped a clue as to Palu's likely selection when asked if he would be playing another club game at the weekend.
"I think we will pull him back and just manage his volume and his contact and make sure that he is in the right shape for the week after," Deans said.
His recall at No.8 is expected to be the only change to the starting side when it is named on Tuesday.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-32464,00.html