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Josh Rakic | August 16, 2009
WHO'S going to save the Wallabies? Matt Dunning, that's who.
Fitter than ever and dominating at club rugby for Eastwood, the 30-year-old looms as the ideal solution to Australia's scrummaging woes.
The 43-Test veteran has been there and done it, and with the Wallabies facing Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup oblivion next Saturday at ANZ Stadium, bringing Dunning into the squad could prove a masterstroke says former Wallaby and Eastwood president Brett Papworth.
''He's playing fantastic football. As good as ever. And we at Eastwood need him to keep doing that, thank you very much,'' Papworth said with a chuckle, as the Wallabies stare down the barrel of their third consecutive defeat of the season against the All Blacks in six days' time.
''He's world class. He's trimmed down, and considering he's coming back from such a big injury, he's done a great job.
''He's fitter than ever. And he loves playing footy, and for all the right reasons. I wish him all the best at getting back in. If I was Australian coach and had no affiliation with Eastwood, I'd certainly have him in my squad. His form's been outstanding. He just turns scrums around. But I won't be complaining if he is overlooked.''
Benn Robinson has been a standout at loose-head in an otherwise disappointing season for the Wallabies so far, and Dunning's rare ability to play loose-head or tight-head could prove a valuable asset to coach Robbie Deans - a fan of versatility in his players.
Problem is, who to leave out? Australia's most-capped prop Al Baxter or promising youngster Pek Cowan?
Former Wallabies coach John Connolly refused to buy in to whether Dunning should be selected but said the prop had proved his fitness since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury on last year's Wallabies tour of Europe.
He said Dunning wouldn't let anyone down if he were recruited.
''There's no doubt he adds something to the scrum. And he's certainly put a strong case forward to return at some stage down the track on the back of his club footy form,'' Connolly said.
''It's not my place to talk selections, but knowing Matt and having seen him play, he certainly wouldn't be out of place if Robbie Deans was to call on him - that's for sure.
''The problem is, where do you put him? Benn Robinson has been fantastic at loose-head so it'd come down to a three-way decision between Dunning, Al Baxter and Pek Cowan.
''But in saying that, those blokes have been in camp all season. I'll leave that one up to the coach. He's more than capable.''
Dunning trimmed down significantly by seven kilograms before even making his return in late June, and has since been the form prop of the Shute Shield - regularly playing the full 80 minutes.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...756480302.html
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