Drew Mitchell may be in for a quick recall from the cold when coach Robbie Deans names his Wallabies team for their Tri-Nations series opener against South Africa.

Dumped after disappointing in the June Tests, Mitchell was restored to the Wallabies Tri-Nations squad on Sunday, along with Cameron Shepherd.

The pair are set to vie for a wing berth opposite Adam Ashley-Cooper against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday after a knee injury ruled out likely choice Peter Hynes.

With 45 Tests behind him, Mitchell was left in no doubt that he needed to lift his game and provide more impact on both attack and defence when he was axed from the squad.

He has since impressed for Sydney club Randwick, scoring five tries in two games.

If Shepherd were to beat him for the role it would highlight a big turnaround for the 26-year-old Western Force winger who played the last of his nine Tests three years ago before a broken leg against France in Brisbane interrupted his international career.

Interestingly, Shepherd appeared in the first three Test teams chosen by Deans before his injury intervened.

He also has shown scoring form in club rugby with two tries for Sydney team Northern Suburbs against Gordon on Saturday.

Shepherd's Force teammate Nick Cummins was also travelling to Brisbane to train with the Wallabies but the uncapped winger was not added to the official squad list.

Deans is expected to name his line up on Tuesday with plenty of interest also in the midfield where Matt Giteau is under pressure to hold the inside centre role ahead of Berrick Barnes and even newcomer Anthony Faingaa.

However, the pack selection should be of more concern as Deans badly needs more from his second row if the Wallabies are compete with the powerhouse Boks pack headed by Victor Matfield.

He can at least look to recall first choice front rowers Benn Robinson and Stephen Moore who missed the June Tests through injury.

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