Wallabies won’t experiment

Robbie Deans has stated that the autumn tour of Europe is no place for the Wallabies to experiment. [more]

Wallabies won’t experiment

Robbie Deans has stated that the autumn tour of Europe is no place for the Wallabies to experiment.

Head coach Deans has blooded a vast number of players since taking over from John Connolly but the New Zealander has admitted that now is the time to forget about making further changes.

With the World Cup now just a year away, Deans is looking to lay down the foundations that he hopes will carry his men to glory in his homeland in 2011.

''We're not looking to experiment," said Deans, who saw the Wallabies finish second in this year’s Tri Nations after the All Blacks secured an historic clean sweep.

''We'll be taking our strongest squad on the tour.

''Even in the first Tri Nations match this year, we had seven debutants. I don't think there's a lot out there we haven't seen for now.

''Picking players from club rugby certainly isn't as likely as last year. Because of our circumstance, there has been an awful lot of opportunity and I think, over time, that will serve us very well.

''But that's not to say we've finalised our squad. We've still got guys like James Horwill to come back from injury."

Australia face New Zealand in Hong Kong on October 30 before facing a gruelling European schedule of six games in four weeks.

The Wallabies take on Wales in Cardiff on November 6, before a mid-week match against Leicester Tigers and a third Test of the year against England.

Next up is a mouth-watering match with Munster, followed by a further two Tests against Italy and France.

And while Deans admits that there are unlikely to be many surprises in his 36-man squad for the October and November tour, he hasn’t ruled out a few wildcard selections between now and the World Cup itself

''We're also watching the NPC and Sevens; those players are very much in it. I've seen a little bit of Luke Rooney, and I think next year Super rugby will be key for him," added Deans of the former Toulon full back who was all set to join Worcester before the English outfit were relegated from the Premiership.

"Players not selected on this tour will absolutely be given a chance to force their way in next year; there's a good qualification period with the extended Super rugby comp.

''So there's still hope. There are a lot of domestic games for players to push their claims before the World Cup.''

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