Speedster Andrew Kellaway insists that the players are not fearful over their position in the squad after Tom Wright’s high profile omission last week.
Despite starting the first two Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa and Argentina at full-back, Wright was axed from the wider squad ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks.
Reece Hodge and Pete Samu were other individuals to miss out with Kellaway among those to return.
More changes on the cards?
Eddie Jones is seeking answers after the Wallabies succumbed to the Springboks and Los Pumas, which means there may well be a few more alterations before they head to the Rugby World Cup.
It could have a negative impact on the group, leading to them playing with fear, but Kellaway sees it differently.
“I don’t think anxiety is the right word, I think it’s expectation. We’ve always known that, if you don’t perform you’re out,” he told reporters.
“Seeing a guy of Wrighty’s class leave the group is only sort of reaffirmation of that fact, so I don’t think there’s anything new there, that’s something that’s always been true… all of us, and everyone in their own way, is so focused on what they’ve got to do come Saturday night.
“So I’m sure that everyone has got the World Cup in the back of their mind and I think that’s a good thing, I think that’s important, because it’s a big milestone right? But as I said by Friday there’s no room for that sort of stuff and everyone is really focused.”
Kellaway also defended Wright’s performances over the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship.
“To tell you the truth I think Wrighty was pretty good to be honest. First game in South Africa, limited opportunities, the way the game went we didn’t have a lot of ball, I think the stats were sort of 70/30 or something to that effect,” he said.
“Again as an outside back, wing, full-back, it’s tough to get in the game there, so I didn’t think he did a lot wrong. Even against Argentina I thought he had some great touches.”
Where Kellaway fits in
The Melbourne Rebels man could well line up in Wright’s position at full-back on Saturday. Jordan Petaia is another option but Kellaway has more Test experience in the 15 shirt.
“The thing for me and my game is I’m confident that I bring something, it’s different to what Wrighty brings and it’s different to what Nela [Taniela Tupou] brings, it’s different to what Marky Nawaqanitawase brings,” the 27-year-old added.
“So for me it’s not really about comparing the two of us, or any of us really, it’s being really clear about what I can do and what I can bring, and bringing that in spades.”
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