Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has given his strongest indication yet that Queensland's Sam Cordingley will edge Brett Sheehan as his scrumhalf for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa, and has surprisingly thrown Matt Giteau's name back into the No9 mix.
Deans said yesterday he would opt for experience when he selected a replacement for injured scrumhalf Luke Burgess, and former Brumby Cordingley's 18 caps 13 off the bench are set to count for more than Sheehan's solitary Test appearance.
Interestingly, Sheehan made his debut in Johannesburg in 2006, while Cordingley is yet to play a Test in the Republic.
''We've got two halfbacks with us and there's other players as well with us this time who've played in that position before, the likes of Matt Giteau,'' Deans said.
''I think in the first instance it probably wouldn't be a surprise to you that we'll look to experience.
''So I'm giving you an insight there that we don't normally do, I've broken protocol there.''
Sheehan's no-nonsense approach and consistent club rugby appearances fuelled speculation he could be favoured against a Springboks side eager for revenge on their own patch after a loss to Australia in Perth last month.
Giteau was trialled at No9 by former coach John Connolly in several Tests in 2006 but the move was abandoned last year.
Asked how important experience was, Deans said, ''Experience is valuable but ... it comes down to how you use that.
''What previous experience in these sort of contests gives you is an insight but if you then don't use that to your best advantage then it's not much value.''
The Wallabies trained for the first time at their Cape Town base yesterday ahead of Saturday's match at ABSA Stadium in Durban. Injured trio Adam Ashley-Cooper (hand), Rocky Elsom (foot) and James Horwill (foot) were on light duties.
But Deans expected at least the two forwards to be right.
''They ran today and reported no ill effects on that so we just have to see how they go, see how they respond to that work, in particular tomorrow and just push on and take it as it comes.''
Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner are the contenders to replace Ashley-Cooper, while Hugh McMeniman and Dean Mumm are in the frame in the forwards.
Deans wouldn't rule out using George Smith and Phil Waugh in tandem again after the Springboks were out-scavenged at the breakdown in New Zealand's 19-0 victory at Newlands last Saturday.
''We'll consider our selection ... and that will pertain to the Springboks,'' he said.
The Wallabies need to win just one of their two Tests in South Africa to ensure their Tri-Nations finale against New Zealand next month is a play-off for the title. AAP
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