The competitiveness for places in the Wallaby line up can be seen with each of the four stitches above centre Elton Flatley’s eye, after the Australian vice captain received the gash in his side’s “simulated game” yesterday.
With selectors looking to finalise their 22 man side for the opening match of the Rugby World Cup against Agentina in just six days time, coach Eddie Jones was more than pleased with the commitment his side showed.
"There was a bit of blood around," Jones told rugbyheaven.com. "We definitely had selection ideas in mind and we've built on that group throughout. But, at the same time, we've used different combinations to put pressure on in different areas.”
With Flatley considered by many to be a certainty for one of the centre positions against the Pumas, the Brumbies Stirling Mortlock looks to be making a strong push for the vacant outside centre role.
After recovering from a shoulder injury, Mortlock has played almost exclusively in the number 13 jersey.
"I'm getting back into the rhythm a bit more in attack, and starting to talk and communicate, which is important in the centres," Mortlock said before yesterday’s final in house trial.
"When you come back into the team, all the moves that the guys have been playing for the last few months . . . I haven't been doing any of it. I've had to adjust pretty quickly and get back into the routine."
The Wallabies announce their line up for the 10 October match on Tuesday.