Deans confident of overcoming injuries

ROBBIE DEANS insists his Wallabies side have the strength in depth to get back to winning ways against Ireland, despite losing another front-liner yesterday.

Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe was hit with a bout of back spasms and so will miss the duel with Donncha O’Callaghan and Mick O’Driscoll at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. But Deans, who brought Mark Chisholm into the team in Sharpe’s place, is confident his tight five can cope.

“For sure it’s a big loss. He’s not particularly excited about it either,” said the Australia coach. “If it had been one episode of back spasm it would’ve been okay but we had a recurrence last night.

“It’s a great opportunity for Mark. We had a conversation the other day. He became a 50-cap Test player last week so that conversation was along the lines his apprenticeship essentially is over. It’s time to start getting a return.”

Deans rejected the theory that last Saturday’s defeat to England has set his side on a rabid hunt for payback, with Ireland in the firing line.

“You need to understand that Ireland have motivations of their own. They won’t be happy with their recent history either but you get what you deserve ultimately and we have the opportunity to do something this weekend and it’s probably a good thing on the back of last week,” added Deans. “We expect a huge amount of passion. It’s their last outing before a break and next year is a World Cup year so it’s a last opportunity for all their players to stake a claim.”

Wallaby winger Drew Mitchell expects it to be most evident in the efforts of Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll.

“He’s obviously got a pretty big influence on the Irish side, one being captain but also being the mainstay of their backline,” said the Waratahs wide man.

“He seems to be the one they go to when they need a positive impact in the game. He came up with that play at Croke Park last year to steal a draw. He can be very elusive but he can also play that very direct game. As a backline we have to make sure we shut down his opportunities but also those around him.”