Wallabies flyer Drew Mitchell is promising all-out attack when he makes his latest bid to cement a place in the Australian side, this time in the cursed No15 jersey.
Mitchell is certain to be named at fullback today for this weekend's Tri Nations Test against South Africa in Durban after Wallabies coach Robbie Deans confirmed yesterday that the ACT Brumbies' Adam Ashley-Cooper was no chance of being right after surgery on his left hand.
Mitchell will become Australia's fourth fullback of the season after Worcester-bound Chris Latham was denied a Wallabies farewell with a pectoral muscle injury, Cameron Shepherd broke his leg and Ashley-Cooper injured his hand.
But Mitchell, sporting a head newly shaven by teammate Matt Giteau, said there would be no going into his shell in an attempt to minimise mistakes.
''I certainly don't want to be a passenger, I want to get out there and really be involved,'' Mitchell said.
''I want to have an impact. For me, I like having ball in hand and attacking with it, so if I can do that then I will be happy.''
Mitchell's career has been up and down since he burst on to the Test scene in 2005, the year he also last played fullback for Australia.
He played 10 matches in a stellar 12 months, scoring six tries, before the John Connolly regime overlooked him in 2006.
But the Western Force star rocketed back last year and finished second leading try scorer at the Rugby World Cup.
''I played in 2005 a fair bit and then none in 2006 so certainly the confidence took a bit of a hit,'' he said.
''But to be able to come back in 2007, and especially at the World Cup, and perform at the biggest stage, I came away with a lot of confidence and took that into the Super 14.
''At the same time, it means nothing if you don't continue on with it so it is just seeking that consistency which I guess has eluded me somewhat in the early stages of my career.''
An ankle problem robbed him of the chance to hit this international season running, but Mitchell said a growing maturity could help him become a more consistent player.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans's approach appears to be suiting Mitchell.
''It's not so robotic or structured,'' Mitchell said.
''We have our structures there, but if you see an opportunity you are encouraged to take it. It is something I am encouraged about being involved in.''
Mitchell's promotion could open the way for Lachie Turner to return to the bench as cover at fullback or wing, while Lote Tuqiri and Peter Hynes could also slot in at 15 if Mitchell was injured.
Injuries, meanwhile, will be at the forefront of Deans's mind when he selects his side but he received encouragement yesterday when forwards Rocky Elsom and James Horwill who are both battling foot injuries completed training.
''The fact that they're out here and doing it is good, it means there's a chance but the key will be how they report after that,'' Deans said.
Halfback Sam Cordingley missed yesterday's run with a stomach bug. AAP
SATURDAY
Tri Nations: South Africa v Australia at Durban, 11pm. TV Time: Live on Fox Sports1.
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