Higginbotham at Test rugby crossroad again

Jun 22, 2017 - 5:31 PM Scott Higginbotham has again been left at the Test crossroads by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, dropped for Saturday's Test against Italy.

Lopeti Timani will wear Australia's No.8 jersey at Suncorp Stadium with Higginbotham axed after a brief two-match international return.

The 30-year-old had not played for the Wallabies for two years but forced Cheika to select him after his terrific Super Rugby form in his return season for the Queensland Reds.

But he has clearly not shown enough in camp to impress Cheika, who overlooked him for the 2015 World Cup and said he probably would have selected Timani against Fiji and Scotland at No.8 had the Melbourne Rebels hardman been fit.

Asked directly if Higginbotham's Test career was over, Cheika said: "I wouldn't say it's the last time we are going to see him."

"The thing I've spoken with Scott about always is about the impact at the contact zone.

"That's something he knows he's got to work on. It's Lopeti's opportunity to show it."

Timani started five times for Australia at No.8 last year and is seen as the long-term solution in that position.

But he has had a stop-start season for the Rebels, missing gametime due to injuries and suspension and has been used exclusively as a second-rower in Super Rugby.

Cheika believes he is now up to speed with his fitness and ready to make an impression against the Azzurri, who are missing veteran No.8 and captain Sergio Parisse.

"He's got so much potential, it's not funny," Cheika said.

"He's extremely powerful. He's really developed on his individual awareness, he knows his role and he's got to know his role pretty quickly.

"I feel like he's ready to have a good game. He really wants to play in the team, you can see it."

Source: AAP