Wallabies stash backup bulk on bench

The Wallabies are preparing for a Scottish ambush at Murrayfield, with coach Michael Cheika picking a monster bench as the prospect of a rain- affected forwards battle threatens to derail their grand slam bid.

Rain i s forecast for tomorrow’s clash, with the temperature around kickoff unlikely to threaten double digits.

Scotland have outlined their intention to attack the rookie lock pairing of Rory Arnold and Adam Coleman at the lineout, while both sides are scrambling for underdog status in the scrum, with the hosts likely snatching that tag due to the fact their starting props have one cap between them.

But the best indication of how Cheika expects the game to unfold is found on the bench, where the Wallabies have recalled monster lock Will Skelton for his first test since August, as well as the 196cm Dean Mumm, to sit alongside reserve lock Rob Simmons.

The decision to opt for a bench of six forwards and t wo backs, while adding two giants and dropping the hardworking Scott Fardy and outside back Sefa Naivulu, is a surefire sign that the Wallabies believe the twinkletoed outside backs won’t be the difference- makers.

“It looks like that doesn’t it?” smiled Skelton at the prospect of a forwards slugfest.

“Six- two bench, some big boys I think on both teams . . . ( Scotland are) a physical side, the forward pack.”

Cheika baulked at the suggestion the backs would take a back seat, saying “there’s no reason it can’t be a flashy game”.

But despite sticking with the undersized loose trio of David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Lopeti Timani, he was clear that his pack wouldn’t be overpowered.

“We want to play better ( than against Wales last weekend). There’s still a lot of things that we can improve on from that game,” Cheika said. “Scotland’s got a very big, powerful pack.

“We’ve probably picked a slightly smaller pack initially so we’ve got the ability to change if we want to.

“Just because we’re small, doesn’t mean we’ll be any less powerful in our intent.”

In the only change to the starting lineup from last weekend’s win over Wales, Will Genia reclaims the No 9 jersey from Nick Phipps after being released to play by French club Stade Francais.