Wallabies watch: the great debEight

Sat, Jun 6, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Scott Higginbotham

It’s been the Rebels' most successful season in their short history, largely down to Scott Higginbotham's dominant year.

Higgers notched up 100 Super Rugby caps in 2015 breaking the record for the most tries scored by a forward in the competition’s history.

Out of the three Number 8’s highlighted here, Higginbotham is the most unorthodox. The 28-year old has a license to roam at the Rebels with a chip-and-chase used to AAMI Park’s delight.

Already with 31 Wallaby caps, he’ll be hoping to add to that before his off-season move to Japan.

Wycliff Palu

At 33 Wycliff Palu is an old bull but has still been a dominant force for the Waratahs in 2015.

Palu leads the Tahs for pick and drives while he’s fourth for tackles made.

The veteran of 54 Tests made his debut for the Wallabies back in 2006 against England but has battled injury throughout his career.

This season set to be Palu’s last with the Wallabies, before heading to Japan in 2016.

Ben McCalman

Fresh from signing a three year contract extension with Australian Rugby and the Western Force, Ben McCalman is the incumbent Wallabies Number 8.

The man known as ‘Big Dog’ has been the standout player for the Force topping most of the stats that count.

McCalman finished as the competition’s leader for runs while he topped the Force for linebreaks and forced penalties.

His work at the breakdown as well as being a threat at lineout time gives Michael Cheika plenty of food for thought.

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