Bret Harris From: The Australian August 18, 2011 8:18PM


BEN McCalman has been given the role as back-up openside flanker at the World Cup, a position he has not played since he was a schoolboy in the central west NSW town of Orange.

David Pocock is the only specialist openside flanker in the Wallabies squad with Matt Hodgson and Beau Robinson missing the cut.

The versatile McCalman, 23, plays number eight, blindside flanker and second row, but he has never played openside flanker in a senior game of rugby.

"I have played seven before but not in recent years," McCalman said.

"In my early days back in school, starting at number eight and playing certain stages of the game at number seven.

"My favourite position is probably number eight or six, but there are similarities between seven as well.

"It's pretty close to six, playing on the side of the scrum."

Asked how he would feel about matching up with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw if Pocock got injured, McCalman said: "It would be a big challenge, but we have been working on different areas of the breakdown as well.

"It's still important to be hard on the ball, but there is also a big focus on disrupting ball and taking space in the ruck. That's certainly an area I'll be trying to improve on."

McCalman will look to get some practice at openside flanker for Sydney University against Randwick at Coogee Oval this weekend.

"I'm going to have a run with Sydney University and try and play in the backrow as well," McCalman said. "Maybe gain some experience leading into the next few games."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was confident McCalman could handle the unfamiliar openside flanker role because of the way the breakdown had evolved.

"Ben McCalman has been covering it in the 22," Deans said. "That's a reflection very much of how the game is evolving, how the game is being played and adjudicated.

"We have considered every possible permutation and we believe the bloke we have chosen will cater for our need."

The backrow was one of the most contentious areas of selection.

There was speculation either Wycliff Palu or Radike Samo would make the squad, but they both did.

Veteran second-rower Dan Vickerman was also successful with his late bid after returning from Cambridge University.

Palu (shoulder and knee) is one of several injured players Deans has gambled on along with Drew Mitchell and James Slipper.

Deans defended his controversial decision to omit veteran inside back Matt Giteau and denied there was a rift between them.

"There's tough calls every time and there's a number of good players who have been unlucky," Deans said.

Giteau, who tweeted his omission yesterday after a meeting with Deans, issued a statement today, saying he was "disappointed, but ready to help the cause in any way".

Giteau will be part of a train-on squad, which will be called on in the event of injury.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226117702515