Wallabies flyer Drew Mitchell is promising all out attack when he makes his latest bid to cement a place in the Australian side, this time in the cursed No.15 jersey.
Mitchell is certain to be named at fullback on Thursday for this weekend's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa in Durban after Wallabies coach Robbie Deans confirmed today that Adam Ashley-Cooper was no chance of being right after surgery on his left hand.
Mitchell will in effect become Australia's fourth fullback of the season after Worcester-bound Chris Latham was denied a Wallabies farewell with a pectoral muscle injury, Cameron Shepherd broke his leg and Ashley-Cooper broke a bone in his hand.
But Mitchell, sporting a head newly shaven by team-mate Matt Giteau, said there would be no going into his shell in an attempt to minimise mistakes and maximise his selection chances.
"I certainly don't want to be a passenger, I want to get out there and really be involved," Mitchell told reporters.
"I want to have an impact. For me, I like having ball in hand and attacking with it, so if I can do that then I will be happy."
Mitchell's career has been up and down since he burst onto the Test arena in 2005, the year he also last played at fullback for Australia.
He played 10 matches in a stellar 12 months, scoring six tries, before being overlooked by the John Connolly regime throughout 2006.
But the Western Force star rocketed back last year and finished second leading try scorer at the Rugby World Cup.
"I played in 2005 a fair bit and then none in 2006 so certainly the confidence took a bit of a hit," he said.
"But to be able to come back in 2007, and especially at the World Cup, and perform at the biggest stage, I came away with a lot of confidence and took that into the Super 14.
"At the same time, it means nothing if you don't continue on with it so it is just seeking that consistency which I guess has eluded me somewhat in the early stages of my career."
A syndesmosis (ankle) problem robbed him of the chance to hit this international season running, but Mitchell said a growing maturity could help him become a more consistent player.
"A lot of (consistency) comes with experience," he said.
"The times you play well but you back it up with a game that's not so good, it is an experience you can come away with and look at perhaps why that happened.
"I am starting to play a few games here and there now and I have certainly learnt along the way, and seeking that consistency even more so week to week."
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans agreed.
"He had a significant injury and he's now got a significant volume of work behind him both in game and out of game so I'm expecting he's ready to start flying," Deans said.
And the Deans approach is suiting Mitchell.
"It's not so robotic or structured," he said.
"We have our structures there, but if you see an opportunity you are encouraged to take it. It is something I am encouraged about being involved in."
Mitchell's promotion could open the way for Lachie Turner to return to the bench as cover at fullback or wing, while Lote Tuqiri and Peter Hynes could also slot in at 15 if Mitchell was injured.
Injuries, meanwhile, will be at the forefront of Deans' mind when he selects his side but he received encouragement today when forwards Rocky Elsom and James Horwill (both foot injuries) completed training.
"The fact that they're out here and doing it is good, it means there's a chance but the key will be how they report after that," Deans said.
Halfback Sam Cordingley missed today's run with a stomach bug.
