Vodacom Super Rugby
Jake won't stand in Deans' way
2012-04-26 07:54
Sydney - 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''.
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.