Rugby: Higginbotham set for starting debut

Scott Higginbotham. Photo / Getty Images

Queensland Reds back-rower Scott Higginbotham is set to make his Wallabies starting debut against the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.

After impressing off the bench in Australia's opening two Tri Nations Tests, Higginbotham is expected to replace Ben McCalman at No.8 when coach Robbie Deans names his side later on Thursday.

In the only other likely change to the run-on team which lost 30-14 to the All Blacks in Auckland last Saturday, veteran lock Nathan Sharpe may replace young Reds second-rower Rob Simmons, who is experiencing some shoulder discomfort.

Sharpe, omitted from the match-day 22 against New Zealand, trained with the Australian starting team on Wednesday and is hoping to get the call-up for his 96th Test.

Deans is backing young winger James O'Connor to return to form with the boot at Kings Park after being retained as first-choice goalkicker despite missing all three of his attempts at Eden Park.

"Obviously James wouldn't have enjoyed his kicking performance at the weekend, but it's unusual for him; he's been kicking very well and he'll kick well again,'' Deans said.

"It's generally good conditions for kicking here so, no, we don't see it as an issue going forward from here.''

Five-eighth Quade Cooper slotted two from two after taking over from O'Connor in Auckland, but Deans said Cooper didn't necessarily take over because his teammate had lost confidence.

Deans said it was planned through the week in Auckland that Cooper would take the longer-range shots at goal.

"And, off the back of those, he would be the back-up kicker,'' the coach said.

"You leave that very much to the blokes on the day, but we do discuss who is next cab off the rank.''

Fullback Kurtley Beale, who nailed a screamer from halfway to give Australia a thrilling after-the-bell 41-39 win over South Africa in Bloemfontein last year, also has full faith in O'Connor to strike back this weekend.

"I don't think he's worried too much. He knows what he's got to do and I'm sure he'll fix that,'' said Beale, excited that the Wallabies now have the luxury of choosing between three or four goalkickers.

"We've got Quadey there as a back-up and that's the best thing - the last couple of years there was only one kicker and that was (Matt) Giteau, so I guess it's a good thing.''

- AAP