Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has preached the importance of being adaptable in a World Cup year, with his squad for the Rugby Championship reflecting this with a pair of interesting utility selections.
Jones named a 34-player squad on Sunday ahead of the Wallabies' opening Test against South Africa in just over a fortnight.
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Whilst it was largely split the traditional way of forwards and backs, trio Josh Kemeny, Ben Donaldson and Dylan Pietsch found themselves selected as 'utilities'.
Kemeny is the most intriguing selection, with the Rebel impressing after his return from injury.
The 24-year-old can cover both flankers positions, however, Jones backed Kemeny to fill in on the wing if needed.
There is history backing up Jones' thinking as he prepares for September's World Cup.
Number eight Radike Samo played on the wing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup against Russia after a host of injuries in the back line.
More recently, scrumhalf Jake Gordon found himself on the wing during last year's Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Sydney when Noah Lolesio and Hunter Paisami suffered head knocks.
“We want Kemeny to play seven, six and on the wing. He’s quick enough to play on the wing, that’s why he’s listed down as a utility player...He’s a tall, rangy guy, good in the air," Jones told reporters.
“We need to develop a team that is multi-dimensional because of the fact with HIA, yellow or red cards, you need to be able to adapt on the field.
“Nothing’s not possible and we need to develop that adaptability in the team.”
Waratahs playmaker Donaldson is being seen likely as a 10-15 hybrid, with Andrew Kellaway included in the Rehab Group, spending the majority of this week's Coogee camp at the back.
Club teammate Pietsch is used to playing across the park from his Sevens background, growing up as a back-rower.
Reds' Seru Uru has also been included in the train-on squad as an utility, able to cover any spot in the second or back row.
Interestingly, Reece Hodge, who has been used in the past as 'Mr Versatile' by past Wallabies coaches, was selected as part of the 'backs' group.
“It’s very important and that’s why we’ve named them as utility players. We haven’t picked this squad as a World Cup squad but we’re creating the structure of the team that’ll take us to the World Cup," Jones added.
“We need a backrower that can play wing and I’m serious about this. ‘Hoops’ (Michael Hooper) could probably do it in his younger age, he was faster than most wingers. Now he’s as fast, except for maybe Suli (Vunivalu) when he’s got his cattle prod chasing him.
“(Ben) Donaldson trained all week at fullback and we know he can play ten well.”
WALLABIES SQUAD
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, David Porecki, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini.
Backs: Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Tom Wright,
Utilities: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, Dylan Pietsch.
