Harris in frame to be Wallabies' 10

Updated May 30, 2012 18:50:45

New Zealand-born Queensland playmaker Mike Harris appears to be well in the mix to wear the Wallabies' number 10 jersey in Tuesday's Test against Scotland in Newcastle.

Harris lined-up at five-eighth during the Wallabies train-on squad's opposed session on Wednesday and is a realistic option to call the shots against Scotland should coach Robbie Deans wish to keep his Reds team-mate Quade Cooper out of the firing line.

New South Wales playmaker Berrick Barnes and another Queenslander, Ben Lucas, are also in the frame but Barnes was just an onlooker at training on Wednesday as he prepares for the Waratahs' match on Saturday night.

Harris only arrived in Australia two years ago when signed by Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie, but qualifies to play for the Wallabies through a paternal grandmother.

The 23-year-old has played mostly inside centre for the Reds this year, but showed in the early rounds of the Super Rugby season that his strong kicking game made him a steady option at number 10.

Cooper has only played two matches this season in his return from a knee injury, and despite being named in the train-on squad, it is thought Deans might not wish to start him against Scotland.

Meanwhile, boom number seven prospect Michael Hooper says he is looking to learn plenty from the world's premier openside flanker David Pocock during Wallabies camp.

The in-form Brumbies forward, who will join the Waratahs next year, says in many respects he has tried to model his game on Pocock and is hopeful of a chance to serve as his understudy during the mid-year Tests.

"It's good to spend some time with him ... he's actually been great, he helps out a lot. The more information I can get out of him the better," Hooper said.

"He's one of the best sevens around so it's a no-brainer there.

"[He's been helping with] roles and plays, and what to do and where."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 18:50:45

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Cipriani still out of Rebels frame

Updated June 1, 2011 14:43:00

Controversial five-eighth Danny Cipriani remains on the outer at the Melbourne Rebels, with the Super Rugby club and his management unable to agree on a revamped contract.

The out-of-favour Englishman was again left out of the line-up as the bottom-placed Rebels host South Africa's top side, the Stormers, in Melbourne on Friday night.

It is believed the Rebels, who left Cipriani out of their two-match tour to South Africa stating they had "lost confidence" in him, want the 23-year-old to sign a re-worked contract that relates to his off-field conduct.

The club issued a statement on Wednesday as they announced the squad for the AAMI Park clash, and said Cipriani, who has seven England Test caps, was still unavailable.

"The Melbourne Rebels administration continues to work through a number of issues with Danny Cipriani and his management," said the Rebels' chief operating officer Steve Boland.

"These discussions are now moving in a very positive direction but, at the moment, Danny remains unavailable for selection."

Melbourne chief executive Ross Oakley could not be contacted for comment.

Cipriani has not played since April 30 after being axed because of off-field disciplinary breaches.

It was hoped the two parties could come to terms this week with only three matches remaining in the Rebels' inaugural season.

Cipriani has another year remaining on his deal, although the contractual stand-off appears to make it increasingly unlikely he will be back in Melbourne next season.

In the absence of the mercurial Cipriani - who has still been training with the squad - Julian Huxley will start at five-eighth, as James Hilgendorf is out with an ankle injury.

Former Test hooker Adam Freier has been named on the bench, set to make his long-awaited debut for the Rebels after finally overcoming back and hamstring problems.

Nic Henderson returns to the side, replacing Greg Somerville at loosehead prop while Jarrod Saffy moves to blindside flanker, with Luke Jones unavailable due to under-20 World Cup commitments in Italy.

Vice-captain Gareth Delve returns to the starting 15 at No.8, relegating Tim Davidson to the bench.

The Rebels are looking to snap a six-match losing streak which dates back to their round seven win over the Force in early April.

Rebels: Richard Kingi, Lachlan Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Cooper Vuna, Julian Huxley, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson. Res: Adam Freier, Greg Somerville, Kevin O'Neill, Tim Davidson, Sam Cordingley, Peter Betham, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 1, 2011 13:52:00

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