SYDNEY // The Australian lock Nathan Sharpe is due to arrive in South Africa later today as an option to replace the injured Dan Vickerman for Saturday's second Test against the Springboks. Vickerman and centre Berrick Barnes both suffered shoulder injuries in Australia's bruising 27-15 win over South Africa in Durban last weekend. Sharpe, whose partner is due to give birth soon after Saturday's Johannesburg clash, could find himself below rising stars Dean Mumm and Hugh McMeniman in the pecking order.
The Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he may also spring another surprise as he considers handing former rugby league star Timana Tahu his first Test start in place of Barnes against the world champions. "There's no doubt he can start a Test, he's perfectly capable of that," Deans said. After playing just three minutes off the bench in his Test debut last month. Tahu played the final 20 minutes at inside centre in Durban after Ryan Cross originally replaced Barnes after 20 minutes of the game.
*AP
