White: Deans to snub Brumbies

While spots are up for grabs, White insists talk of a Wallabies selection battle with the Waratahs is ''immaterial'', and urged Test coach Robbie Deans to avoid using one match as a measuring stick for individual form.

Brumbies prop Dan Palmer will miss a last chance to impress Deans in the derby at ANZ Stadium as he continues to manage the foot injury that has plagued him for two seasons.

The battle between the Brumbies and Waratahs enemies will help Deans put together his Test puzzle before naming his 25-man squad on Sunday.

Palmer is in contention to be one of the the Wallabies props as he is regarded as one of the best tight-head scrummagers in Super Rugby.

But he will miss a golden opportunity to show his set-piece prowess against the Tahs' all-Wallabies front row of Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Paddy Ryan.

Palmer's absence will throw rising star Scott Sio into a Wallabies front-row duel.

''Maybe we don't get as many players in the [Wallabies squad] now, but that's based on the fact Robbie has said he wants to pick experienced players, and I understand that,'' White said. ''If that means younger players who haven't got Test experience lose out, that's the way it is.''