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ON the heels of George Smith's decision to retire from international rugby, the Wallabies are facing the potential departure of fellow Test backrower Wycliff Palu.
Palu, who is awaiting an offer from the ARU, is only regarded as a 50-50 proposition to re-sign as lucrative overseas options are looming.
It is understood Palu has fielded offers from Japan and France and is likely to make a decision about his future in the next two to three weeks.
If Palu was to leave, it would be a body blow to the Wallabies' chances of winning the World Cup in New Zealand next year.
Australian rugby has already lost three Test forwards within the last three years - second-rower Dan Vickerman (Cambridge University), blindside flanker/lock Hugh McMeniman (Japan) and now Smith.
After losing his spot in the Wallabies' starting line-up in the Tri-Nations campaign last year to Western Force backrower Richard Brown, Palu re-established himself as the premier number eight in the country on the tour of Japan, Britain and Ireland.
Palu started in all five Tests against the All Blacks, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, finishing the tour leading the John Eales Medal count.
Once Palu decides whether to stay in Australia or go overseas, he will then have to choose whether to remain with the Waratahs or accept an offer from Super 15 expansion franchise Melbourne Rebels.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey indicated NSW would not let Palu go without a fight.
"Cliffy's form on the Wallabies' tour last year indicates how important he is to us," Hickey said.
"He found good form on tour and he has been in good form for us in the (Super 14) trials. He is one of the strongest ball carriers in Australian rugby. We are speaking to Cliffy about his future and he'll make a decision in a short period of time."
Meanwhile, Australia winger Drew Mitchell remains in doubt for the Waratahs' match against arch rivals Queensland Reds because of a nagging hamstring injury.
Mitchell withdrew from the Waratahs' team to play the Reds in a trial game in Lismore two weeks ago and the injury has not fully healed.
If Mitchell is ruled out, Wallabies utility back Kurtley Beale is likely to start at fullback, former All Black Sosene Anesi shifting to the wing and Daniel Halangahu playing at inside centre.
The Waratahs also have the option of starting Beale at inside centre and playing Nemani Nadolo or Rory Sidey on the wing or pairing Tom Carter and Sidey in midfield.
Hickey virtually confirmed that the Wallabies' inside back and former Reds playmaker, Berrick Barnes, would start at five-eighth.
"It's not an easy decision," Hickey said. "Berrick has shown a lot as have Daniel and Kurtley, but we expect Berrick to start at 10."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225827614985
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