Wallaby Selectors work into the night.

[Burgs]

Wallaby Selectors work into the night.

The prop spots are two of five contentious choices Coach John Connolly and fellow selectors Scott Johnson and Michael O'Connor are mulling over tonight.

While the 130-kilogram 24-year-old Rodney Blake is considered a more damaging prospect, it is Wallabies bench prop Al Baxter in line to take the final place due to his better ability to also scrummage at loose-head.

Greg Holmes, also returning from injury, is considered a definite at this late stage after an impressive stint for Sunnybank on the weekend.

Queenslander Sean Hardman is expected to pip Tatafu Polota-Nau for the third hooker role and Berrick Barnes may just sneak past Ryan Cross to be the last back included.

A last-minute rethink of No.8, forced by problems to Wycliff Palu (shoulder) and David Lyons (blood clot) and the unsteadiness at the back of the scrum without them in Australia's 26-12 loss to New Zealand last night, could cost an earmarked lock.

James Horwill and Mark Chisholm are now vulnerable with consideration given to naming both Palu and Lyons, as well as shadows, subject to fitness.

The squad will be announced at the John Eales Medal dinner in Brisbane tomorrow night.

Possible World Cup squad:

Forwards -

Wycliff Palu/David Lyons/Jone Tawake (one to be included subject to fitness), Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Hugh McMeniman, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Guy Shepherdson, Al Baxter, Matt Dunning, Greg Holmes, Stephen Moore, Adam Freier, Sean Hardman.

Backs -

Chris Latham, Julian Huxley, Lote Tuqiri, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Scott Staniforth, Matt Giteau, Berrick Barnes, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Sam Cordingley.


AAP

[James]

Agreed. The only 'ability' Al Baxter has is managing somehow to stay in the squad. Which everyone must admit he is very good at doing, under the circumstances.

[Burgs]

Unfortunately, he is a World beater at that sole facet of the sport James

[JediKnight]

Barnes ahead of Cross? You've got to be kidding!!!!

[Burgs]

I think they are talking Barnes as he is a #10/#12 rather than Cross who is a #12/#13 which is already well covered JK.
Looking at todays articles their major concern in the backs at this stage is still the back up for Bernie.

[AndyS]

None of whom will have had any game time whatsoever in the position - brilliant.

[felixnelson]

i think if larkham gets injured, gts will deff play 10 and stanners will go to 12. so barnes is more like a third option for 10 and 12. i would have picked him ahead of norton-knight thats for sure