A huge ball-carrying presence, Wycliff Palu added a different dimension to the Australia back-row following his debut against England in June 2006. Palu made his Super Rugby bow for the Waratahs in 2005, but an injury curse that has affected him at points throughout his career prevented him from kicking on for further honours. After another bout of injury in 2006 he forced his way in to the reckoning for the Australia squad and was duly rewarded.

He was included in the Australia squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, making four appearances during the tournament. Under the coaching of Robbie Deans he has become a regular fixture on the international landscape, playing a full part in the 2008 Tri-Nations and winning caps against England, Italy and France on the end of season tour.

A hand injury ruled Palu out of contention following the 2009 Super 14 and he missed Tests against France and Italy, but following his return to fitness he was restored to the Australia back-row for the Tri-Nations opener against New Zealand in Auckland.

Following a disappoitning tournament, Palu was again in action as the Wallabies attempted a Grand Slam tour in November that year. Their attempt was wrecked by a draw with Ireland and loss to Scotland. In 2010, Palu re-signed with the ARU and Waratahs until the 2011 World Cup.

However, Palu's 2011 Super Rugby campaign was disrupted through injury having picked up a long-term shoulder injury which was soon followed by a knee injury. Palu is due to play for the Australian Barbarians in a Test against Canada on August 26 in a bid to prove his fitness to Wallabies coach Deans. Despite having not played for the Wallabies since November 2009, Palu will go to the World Cup in their 30-man squad.