Wallabies coach Michael Cheika insists he's nowhere near reaching any mountain tops, but the rugby fan in him is looking forward to his first crack at conquering the code's equivalent of Everest.

Former captain James Horwill looks set for a lucky recall after the Wallabies' lineout general Rob Simmons was ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.

Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper will be free to play against the All Blacks on Saturday.

This weekend's clash between the All Blacks and Wallabies could be the last time we see two of the world's best players go head-to-head.

The bigger picture of the World Cup is constantly in the background but the most important thing about next weekend's game against Australia is winning.

Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau return in the 31-man Wallabies squad chosen to prepare for next week's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.

How Michael Hooper went from facing a two-week suspension for striking another player to being free to face the All Blacks.

David Pocock is looking forward to what could potentially be a last matchup against Richie McCaw.

The Wallabies are under no illusions about the challenge of beating the All Blacks, says coach Michael Cheika.

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has threatened to sue the Australian Rugby Union and demand "millions" in compensation.

The Wallabies will be without three players for their clash with Argentina due to injury.

Chris Rattue writes: Cooper is as crazy as ever and will lose more games than he wins for the Wallabies.

Michael Cheika has stressed there are "no gambles" in his Wallabies side for tonight's Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

A new dawn beckons for the Wallabies and lock Rob Simmons believes a strong first-up performance against South Africa would be the first step in convincing critics that Australia can be a credible....

When defeat cuts the gizzard out of Australian sport they move quickly to another topic.

Three Super Rugby games should still be enough for Quade Cooper to prove his Wallaby World Cup worth, says Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham.

Matt Giteau is offering "no promises" that he's up to representing Australia at a Rugby World Cup for a third time. But he's hoping to find out.

Rugby is flagging in popularity in Australia among the major codes, the ARU is losing money, and stacks of players are eyeing offshore deals, writes Wynne Gray.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he would be crazy not to be considering George Smith, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell for this year's Rugby World Cup.

Some players at overseas clubs can return to play for the Wallabies at the World Cup, after the Australian Rugby Union produced a backflip on its eligibility rules.

The Wallabies have completed their worst European tour in almost a decade after being overpowered by England 26-17 in their season-ending test at Twickenham.

Kurtley Beale has reunited with his Wallabies teammates for the first time since the text message scandal that threatened to end his rugby career.

Based on recent history, new coach Michael Cheika could hardly have hoped for a better opponent than Wales in his first test assignment as Wallabies coach.

Kurtley Beale could join the Wallabies' tour of Europe as soon as he's deemed fit enough.