NO SURPRISE at the blank stare from Drew Mitchell when asked yesterday when was the last time he started a Test for the Wallabies at fullback.

Mitchell had to mull it over for a few seconds, before answering: "Ah, dunno … [long pause] … maybe 2005."

Such have been the fluctuations in the short representative career of the Western Force utility back that some parts of his career have become foggy. In 2005, Mitchell was everywhere, topping the try-scorers list for the Queensland Reds and involved in the whole international season. The next year, everything fizzled out.

Last year, things started happening again after he was shunted from fullback to the wing. He established a reputation at the World Cup for being an excellent finisher, scoring seven tries in five appearances. Everything was flourishing, until he injured his ankle at training.

Now, in a return to his roots, Mitchell is set to play his first starting Test this season at fullback against the Springboks in Durban on Saturday, replacing the unavailable Adam Ashley-Cooper.

The 24-year-old admitted he originally preferred fullback but, after stints at the Force on the wing, it was now "much of a muchness".

"I want to get really involved and have an impact," Mitchell said.

"My confidence took a bit of a hit in 2006, but to come back in 2007, and especially at the World Cup to perform at the biggest stage, was pleasing."

Greg Growden