ROCKY Elsom was last night fast-tracked into the Wallabies team, while his Waratahs teammate Matt Dunning returns to the starting line-up for tomorrow's Tri Nations Test against South Africa in Durban.
A week ago Elsom was considered no chance of playing in Durban because of his ankle injury.
But Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' faith in him was shown with his selection in the back row. Deans thought Elsom had offered enough at one training session this week to indicate he was again ready for Test rugby.
Wallabies second-rower James Horwill, who has foot problems, has also been selected, as Deans knows that he must have every aggressive forward available to ensure they rattle the Springboks.
Asked about the fitness of Elsom and Horwill last night, Deans said: "Both have come through the week and done well. So they'll only get better with another outing."
Deans said Elsom's inclusion could destabilise the home team.
"Rocky is an influential, inspirational player, because he does intimidate, and blokes alongside him tend to respond to that," he said.
"It's good to have him back, and he certainly didn't enjoy watching the last outing (the loss to the All Blacks in Auckland). Hopefully, he will bring some of that grumpiness with him."
Deans said nothing sinister should be read into Dunning's elevation to the front row, resulting in Al Baxter's return to the bench.
"It's not a reflection of ranking, and the volume of game time for the two players will not change," he said.
"It is just the order we will be using this week, and we'll be looking for Matt to put the afterburners on. Al has performed really well this year, and we know he is capable of going the distance. Matt doesn't have the same volume of game time under his belt, but he will be an asset as it will be dry and it is going to be fast."
Before the Test team was announced, Deans said that he had been a long-time fan of Horwill, realising his potential when he first saw him play for the Reds in 2006.
Deans was struck by Horwill's aggression, competitiveness, skills and attitude to football.
"I really don't try to think too much about footy, because there is a trap in over complicating things," Horwill said yesterday.
"It is just a game after all. You just go out there and do what you have to do at the best of your ability."
Horwill has also experienced disappointment, but has used that in his favour.
He said his omission from last year's World Cup squad made him realise that he had to improve his approach to the game.
"Every player has a disappointment in their career, and not going to the World Cup last year was mine," he said.
"I then wasn't happy with my form in the ARC (Australian Rugby Championship), and so I thought to myself, 'It's now or never'. I decided it was time for me to really step up."
