European union stars set for return
RUGBY: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is expecting some handy reinforcements for the Rugby Championships following the humiliation of a 3-0 series whitewash at the hands of England.
Australia's European-based stars, including Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell and Will Genia, will be available for the first Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Sydney on August 20.
Only Matt Giteau has not confirmed he would return for the tournament, but Cheika said "everyone wants to come back", including the veteran three-quarter.
The Wallabies coach gave a number of players the chance to prove their worth in the series loss to England.
"This series was a lot about that - about building," he said.
"That's something we have done, with Samu Kerevi, Dane Haylett-Petty, Rory Arnold. They've come in and played good footy.
"We'll get some back from injury and Europe into our squad as well."
Cheika could also be boosted by the return from injury of David Pocock, who missed the last two Tests with England because of a fractured cheekbone, Joe Tomane and Kane Douglas.
Douglas' return from a knee injury suffered in the World Cup final loss to New Zealand last year could be timely with lock Rob Simmons injuring his right AC joint in Saturday's 45-41 defeat in Sydney.
The extent of Simmons's injury is not yet known but Cheika said it was on the more severe end of the scale.
