Benn Robinson accepts he has struggled to make an impact from the bench © Getty Images

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Benn Robinson remains painfully disappointed that Australia's No.1 jumper is no longer in his keeping after making it his own over 59 Tests from 2006 until July, when he was omitted from the extended Rugby Championship squad as the first high-profile casualty of Ewen McKenzie's Test coaching reign.

The bombshell cut the New South Wales Waratahs loose-head deep, and he won't be satisfied until he's starting instead of good mate and former understudy James Slipper having been recalled to the bench for the past four Tests. McKenzie's controversial selection was drawn support and criticism in equal measure, as Australia's scrum continues to struggle to adapt to the new soft-engagement laws. with ESPNscrum correspondent Greg Growden strident in his belief that Robinson should be in the starting team.

Will Genia and Quade Cooper have also felt the sting of McKenzie selection, saying later that the tough calls had made them appreciate their starting spots more upon their return, but Robinson isn't yet certain his axing earlier this year has been a blessing in disguise.

"That's a question I could probably answer at the end of my career," he says. "I know Ewen dropped me for the Waratahs in 2008, and I remember those times and looking back now it was probably a good decision for me. To be dropped completely definitely gave me a wake-up call and a bit of a shock back then.

"But for me there's always plenty of passion and plenty of love to play for your country. I think I'll have to do a lot more thinking ... before I can say it made a big difference. It does make you realise how short the time is you have in the jersey."

Benn Robinson enjoyed his five-match spell in Shute Shield © www.seiserphotography.com

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Robinson said his five-game stint in Sydney's Shute Shield club rugby competition while out of the national squad, with Eastwood, had helped hin to rediscover his love for the game. "I was of course very emotional," he said. "It took a lot out of me. It really made me sit down and think about my position, my game, how I was playing and where I was emotionally and physically playing the game."

Robinson has worked on all aspects of the game, and he still hopes he may be restored to the starting front-row to lock horns with Italy front-row great Martin Castrogiavanni in Turin. But he admits he's found it hard to make an impact off the bench.

"To be honest I've found it really challenging," the 63-Test veteran said. "I love starting every single game. I think I've played 99% of my games in the No.1 jersey so it makes you realise how much you want to be starting and playing in those pressure moments."