Baxter (left) - versatile forward. (Getty Images)
ALASTAIR BAXTER
Born: 21.01.77
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 18st 3lb
Position: Prop
Club: NSW Waratahs
Caps: 1
Points: 0
Although Baxter has only one Test cap – coming on in Australia's defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park – such was his impact in that game he has played himself into World Cup contention.
Instead of playing in a club game in front of a sparse crowd, Baxter was called into the Wallabies squad with Patricio Noriega out injured, and was soon on the field as Glenn Panoho struggled against the fierce All Blacks pack.
Although there were doubts about his scrimmaging, Baxter turned in a fine performance, getting involved and showing what he can do.
An architect by trade, Baxter made his Super 12 debut against the Bulls in Pretoria in 2000 and can play on both sides of the scrum, making him the ideal man to have on the bench.
But he may become more than a bench player if Australia's woes up front continue.
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