A faster, stronger Stirling Mortlock is itching for game time against Scotland to resurrect his Rugby World Cup ambitions.

Mortlock fronted a press conference at the Wallabies' training base in Coffs Harbour, pointing towards his inclusion in the Australian line-up for its must-win quarter-final against the Scots in Brisbane on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has ridden a rollercoaster of emotions during the tournament.

He was touted as the backline saviour but was then unavailable for the opening game because of illness.

In his absence Matt Burke secured the outside centre jersey with Mortlock missing the 22 for last Saturday's key match against Ireland.

However with Australia's backline underperforming and coach Eddie Jones searching for some penetration, the line-busting Mortlock is set for a reprieve.

He said he was still anxious about whether he would get an opportunity, and wouldn't feel relief until Wednesday's team announcement.

He felt he played well in his limited game time against Romania and Namibia, but was aware of Burke's standing.

"I felt as though I'd pushed my claims for the position but the fact that Burkie had played well in the games leading up to the Irish Test, and Argentina too was probably a big factor in why they went for him," Mortlock said.

Because of his lack of playing time, the ACT player has been burning off his excess energy on the training paddock to try to push his case for selection.

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