Mitchell on full 'attack' alert
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:22
Wallaby back Drew Mitchell is planning an all out attack against the Sprinboks on Saturday as he makes his latest bid to cement a place in the Australian side, this time at fullback.
The Western Force gunner was named at fullback on Thursday for this weekend's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa in Durban, after Wallabies coach Robbie Deans confirmed that Adam Ashley-Cooper was still struggling after surgery to a fracture in his left hand.
Mitchell will in become Australia's fourth fullback of the season, after Worcester-bound Chris Latham was denied a Wallabies farewell with a pectoral muscle injury, while Cameron Shepherd suffered a broken leg.
Mitchell, sporting a newly shaven head (done by teammate Matt Giteau), said there would be no going into his shell this week, in an attempt to minimise mistakes and maximise his selection chances.
"I certainly don't want to be a passenger, I want to get out there and really be involved," Mitchell told AAP.
"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 has led an up-and-down career since bursting onto the Test scene in 2005 - the year he also last played at fullback for the Wallabies.
He played 10 matches in 12 months, scoring six tries, before being overlooked by the John Connolly era throughout 2006.
Mitchell however rocketed back last year as he became the second highest 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."
A syndesmosis (ankle) problem set Mitchell back somewhat this international season, but he felt growing maturity could help him become a more consistent player.
"A lot of [consistency] comes with experience," he said.
"The times you play well but you back it up with a game that's not so good, it is an experience you can come away with and look at perhaps why that happened.
"I am starting to play a few games here and there now and I have certainly learnt along the way, and seeking that consistency even more so week to week," Mitchell added.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans agreed with Mitchell's sentiments, who's approach seems to suit the Western Force flyer.
"He [Mitchell] had a significant injury and he's now got a significant volume of work behind him both in game and out of game so I'm expecting he's ready to start flying," Deans said.
"It's [Deans' approach] not so robotic or structured," he 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," Deans added.
Mitchell's promotion is likely to 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 No. 15 should Mitchell fall prey to injury.
