Wallabies turn to last man sprinting

From reserve to shock Wallabies starter again, Peter Betham has a knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Henry Speight's continued pain is pinch-hitting Peter Betham's gain in the Wallabies wing roundabout.

Betham, a reserve for Super Rugby champions NSW just six weeks ago, has continued his happy knack of being the last speedster sprinting in Australia to start his second Test on Saturday night.

The elusive 25-year-old this time can even ensure more than a one-off shot after Fiji-born Speight, forced to wait a full year to be Test eligible, aggravated his hamstring problem to be ruled out for an extra month.

Betham made his Test debut as a shock call-up against the All Blacks last October after James O'Connor was given his marching orders and Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia were injured.

He was immediately then overlooked for the European tour, but answered a squad SOS at the end when more injuries struck.

While Australia's hooker crisis has caused more grief in 2014, the number of untimely injuries to wingers has tested depth just as much.

But the latest dramas to Speight and Adam Ashley-Cooper (neck), who would have been the first wingers picked to play Argentina, on top of the loss of the retired Pat McCabe, show the cupboard isn't quite as bare out wide.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie had no hesitation in picking Kiwi-born Betham ahead of the returning Tomane (hamstring) - praising his nous and attention to detail.

"He's quite a smart footballer who pops up and sees opportunities," McKenzie told AAP.

"He's pinch-hit for us a few times ... he's been really good at turning up and doing the things that are important.

"He's very good at doing all the little things like off-the-ball chases and he's in the right spot at the right time."

Skipper Michael Hooper predicted his Waratah teammate's slippery running style and power would create headaches out wide for the Pumas backline on the Gold Coast.

"I'm excited to see what Petey does," Hooper said. "He's in great shape and looks quick.

"You love to see these stories where a guy gets another shot at the Wallabies jersey."


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