Turner versus Mitchell

Turner versus Mitchell

Sportal

Waratahs rookie Lachlan Turner and Western Force fullback Drew Mitchell have emerged as the main contenders for the left winger's position in the Wallabies team after injury removed Clyde Rathbone from the upcoming Tests against Wales.

Rathbone has been troubled by a patella tendon injury to his right knee for the past month and is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month, which opens the door for Wallabies coach John Connolly to experiement as to who will partner Lote Tuqiri on the wing for Australia.

"We definitely have a need for speed, which puts young Turner in the picture, and we also think Drew is a handful as a winger," Connolly said in the Courier Mail.

Brumbies wing Mark Gerrard is tried and true on the right wing and could easily switch to the left but Connolly may also be keen to trial Gerrard at inside centre after playing him at flyhalf on the Spring Tour last November

Scott Staniforth and Adam Ashley-Cooper are also contenders to play at No.12 with Matt Giteau expected to be given another chance to show his wares at No.9 and as a back-up to Stephen Larkham at No.10.

The versatile Julian Huxley also shapes as a possibility at inside centre but is more than likely to be announced as Chris Latham's replacement at fullback.

mitchell is alot stronger from what ive seen and he breaks more tackles. they are both very fast but i would pick mitchell over turner.

Drew for me
any one from the Force

I think so too - he seems to have matured/settled down a lot since coming to the Force - guessing we are going to enjoy watching him do some stellar things next year