Higginbotham dwells on bench role

 

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie sprung a surprise selection on Tuesday by bringing Western Force's Ben McCalman straight into the starting 15 despite his failure to play a minute of rugby in the tournament.

 

The coach has insisted that all positions in the matchday 23 have a crucial role to play in modern test rugby but it has given little comfort to back-row enforcer Higginbotham.

 

The 28-year-old was kept out of the starting side in all three of the Wallabies' Rugby Championship matches, with No.8 Palu and blindside flank Scott Fardy locking up the back row with captain Michael Hooper.

 

Higginbotham, who can play No.8 or on the blindside, might have hoped for a promotion for Saturday's clash against Argentina, with a head knock sidelining Palu.

 

"All 23 have a role to play but in saying that, especially at this level, every player wants to start," Higginbotham told reporters. 

 

"Of course, I'm disappointed."

 

The Melbourne Rebels captain Higginbotham has impressed in his short cameos so far in the tournament.

 

His substitution in the second half against South Africa in Perth last week added much-needed vigour to the Wallabies' intent at the breakdown, helping the hosts claw their way out of a big hole and set up the tightest of victories.

 

Higginbotham is not the only player who is feeling left out by having to play from the bench with Kurtley Beale also getting comfortable on the bench after playing an important cameo to help set up the Wallabies' winning try in Perth.

 

Lock James Horwill, a former captain of the Wallabies, will be another player desperate to get more game time.

 

Higginbotham's skills, athleticism and strength fire up his team mates and Wallabies fans alike but McKenzie is looking for the burly forward to work harder at the tackle and breakdown.

 

"He keeps telling me that I have that X-factor and what he wants from me is to get more work out of myself first at the tackles and the breakdowns and then the other stuff will come naturally," Higginbotham said.

 

"I've just got to prove to him that I can do everything.

 

"Over the length of my career I've done everything, I just have to put it all in front of him and he'll see that I can do the job.

 

"It's about making it harder for them not to pick you."