Wallabies set to drop up to six players

RUGBY: The Australian selectors are expected to drop up to six players following last weekend's loss to England when the Tri-Nations squad is announced tomorrow.

The Wallabies begin the next phase of their build-up to the World Cup with coach Eddie Jones saying changes were inevitable.

"We've seen guys playing at the highest level so we need to have a look at other players playing at that same level," Jones said.

"Some have had an opportunity and others may get an opportunity in the Tri-Nations."

Injuries forced the world champions to field an experimental line-up in the recent internationals against Ireland, Wales and England.

But with the World Cup starting in October and several players returning from injuries, Jones wants to start finalising his squad during the Tri-Nations.

"Although we would have liked to have won, the good thing is that when you play a quality side like England, it is mostly constructive in terms of selection," Jones said.

Although Jones would not identify which players were at risk, at least four backs and two forwards are in danger of losing their places from the starting side beaten 25-14 by England.

With Matthew Burke back from injury, full back Chris Latham is likely to go, while Stephen Larkham's return means there will be no room for temporary outhalf Nathan Grey.

The experiment with the young centre pairing of Steve Kefu and Morgan Turinui is also expected to be cut short with Elton Flatley and Mat Rogers both back.

Flatley was dropped for the England game for disciplinary reasons while former rugby league international Rogers is pressing for a starting place after playing off the bench against England.

Phil Waugh was one of the few Wallabies forwards to impress against the English but he is still likely to lose his starting spot after openside flanker George Smith was cleared to resume playing following injury.

Experienced back-rower Owen Finegan is also set for a recall after injury, possibly at the expense of promising youngster Daniel Heenan, while hooker Jeremy Paul and prop Patricio Noriega are also under pressure.

A squad of 26 will be announced tomorrow with a final 22-man squad selected for the opening Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Cape Town on July 12th.

Australia then host New Zealand in Sydney on July 26th and the Springboks in Brisbane on August 2nd before their final World Cup warm-up against the All Blacks in Auckland on August 16th.

The Wallabies will announce a World Cup squad of 30 players in September.

The tournament starts on October 10th.