Brumbies coach Jake White has given the all-clear for Robbie Deans to select his players for the opening Test of the season, declaring ''whatever he needs, I will give him''.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And Wallabies centre Pat McCabe says he is willing to put his body on the line twice in four days if Deans selects him for the Wallabies' clash with Scotland on June 5.
Deans will juggle Super Rugby and Test commitments for the first time this year. The Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels on June 1 and the Waratahs play the next day. The Wallabies coach was expected to fill his team with Western Force and Queensland Reds players as both teams have the bye. But there is a mounting injury toll and the Force and Reds are struggling for form.
Players selected for the Scotland clash would need to be in camp with the Wallabies and it's unknown if they would also be available for Super Rugby action.
Given the Brumbies are at the top of the Australian conference, they could be reluctant to release players to join the Wallabies early. But they are also wary of not shutting the door on Test duties if some of their young players are selected.
Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore and McCabe are all incumbent Wallabies, while Jesse Mogg, Christian Lealiifano, Sam Carter and Dan Palmer are pressing their claims for higher honours. ''I've already spoken to Robbie and I've told him whatever he needs, I will give him,'' White said.
Chris Dutton