0
November 9, 2009 - 1:31PM
Robbie Deans has quashed Berrick Barnes' desperate hopes of rejoining the Wallabies' grand slam tour but not ruled out changes to his backline for Sunday's acid Test against Ireland in Dublin.
With former captain Stirling Mortlock breaking down with a calf tear during his last training run before his scheduled departure from Australia, there were whispers Barnes may be a chance of making a surprise return to give the squad some much-needed midfield reinforcement.
Initial fears that the Wallabies vice-captain would require surgery and several months' rehabilitation after being sent home from the tour with ankle ligament damage proved unfounded.
Nevertheless, Deans says the classy playmaker's ambitious plan to return to the UK for the last two Tests of the tour against Scotland and Wales are but a pipe dream.
"The word is that he's really responded well and he contributed to that because he worked really hard (on the injury) in the first 24, 48 hours," Deans said.
"So it's great that he didn't have to have surgery. He's feeling good. In typically Berrick way, he's wanting to run.
"But the reality is that won't happen ... I don't think so."
Even given the limited options available, Australia's new-look, all-Queensland centre pairing of Digby Ioane and Quade Cooper looked to have nailed down Test starting spots with impressive displays in Saturday's 18-9 win over England.
But, never content to rest on his side's laurels - as evident by the fact he has only once in his 25-Test tenure selected the same side for back-to-back matches - Deans refuses to dismiss the possibility of backline changes.
He hinted tinkering was unlikely but Deans is also conscious that Ireland's world-class centres Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy are a notch above anything England could throw at Australia.
"It means we'll look very closely at them, obviously first," Deans said.
"Wherever we go in terms of selections, that will be what we're looking to cater for.
"But obviously that was a good hitout for that group last night, being their first (together against England)."
Ioane was replaced by Ryan Cross with 13 minutes remaining at Twickenham, but is not considered in doubt for the Croke Park clash with the Six Nations champions.
"He just took a knock that unsettled him and he wasn't comfortable so we pulled him," Deans said.
Lock James Horwill has a minor knee strain, but is also confident of being available, especially given Australia have an extra day to recover before Sunday's big match.
© 2009 AAP
http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au/break...1109-i4mh.html
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by mudskipper
