Cornered winger Drew Mitchell has been tipped to fire under pressure in Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash - a fortnight after being dumped from the Wallabies squad.

Injuries to Australia's preferred flyers have given Mitchell a surprise opening to once again consolidate his position following a painful career-threatening demotion.

Another disappointing display against South Africa would almost certainly see him cut with Cameron Shepherd waiting in the wings and Digby Ioane rushing back from a shoulder injury.

Mitchell's inconsistency epitomised the Wallabies' play in four Tests last month but his teammates expect a return to the scintillating form shown in the 27-17 win over England in Perth.

"It came as a shock to me as well when he got dropped and he's using it as a wake-up call," said fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper.

"I don't think he's taking (selection) for granted at all. He looks very sharp and I'm really excited by it."

Ashley-Cooper, Mitchell and first-time winger James O'Connor will play a key role as Australia's back three at Suncorp Stadium.

The Wallabies are keen to put the heat back on the under-pressure Springboks' much-vaunted kicking game by counter-attacking like the All Blacks.

Shepherd was in line to start the Wallabies' Tri-Nations opener before a lack of match fitness got the better of him while Ioane has trained strongly this week and coach Robbie Deans remains hopeful he'll be available to play New Zealand in Melbourne next Saturday.

Deans on Friday intimated the blunt message to Mitchell would have a desired effect.

"It's something he has had the luxury of being named in the squad for some time so it is always a bolt out of the blue when something is denied you," he said.

"But I guess it's also a reminder of what you did have ... it probably made him appreciate the privilege he did have in the first instance."

Mitchell, who finished this year's Super 14 in a blaze of glory, has scored 20 tries in his 45 Tests but has endured an up-and-down career.

He was overlooked for all of Australia's games in 2006 after crossing for six tries in his first 10 Tests the year before.

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