Wallabies’ selection headache

UNLESS records are smashed this week, the All Blacks will be lifting the Tri-Nations trophy and Australia’s drought will continue.

But don’t go trying to tell the Wallabies that Saturday’s meeting with Argentina is a mere formality.

“We’re taking this game as a must-win game for us,” the returning James O’Connor said.

But that must-win mentality - the ability to step up when the moment matters - has eluded the Wallabies for some time now.

The All Blacks, on the other hand, did exactly what they needed to do with a 38-0 drubbing of Argentina last week.

Australia’s chances of taking out the trophy may be gone, but that does not mean Dave Rennie will waste another vital 80 minutes on Saturday.

The first sign of what that vision may look like will start with the team he names and in particular who lines up in the No. 10 jersey.

O’Connor, Reece Hodge and Noah Lolesio are all viable options.

O’Connor began his press conference earlier this week by reaffirming he was fit and prepared to play Argentina.

“First things first, I’ll be fit this week. I’ve got to get through selection, but we’ve got there in the end,” O’Connor said.

“I think he’s (Hodge) definitely earned his spot and (should) stay there (in the starting side).

“I’m not a selector so I won’t be pretending where I would put him but I have my ideas and we will see where that plays off.”

Rennie has spoken previously about a four-year plan to get the Wallabies ready for the World Cup and Saturday’s meeting with Argentina could be the perfect opportunity to give Lolesio more experience after a tough outing against the ruthless All Blacks.

The match kicks off at 6.45pm (AEST).