Wallabies team news, injured captain Will Skelton in doubt to play Fiji
SAINT-ETIENNE: The injury blows keep coming for the Wallabies with shock news that captain Will Skelton is in doubt for Monday’s (AEST) crucial Rugby World Cup clash against Fiji.
After Skelton was named in Australia’s starting team on Friday, a Wallabies official revealed that the giant lock had withdrawn from the final 10 minutes of Thursday’s training with a tight calf.
“After a medical assessment this morning (Friday), he is off to get scans,” the official said.
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“At this stage he is still available for the Test and has been named in the team. Any update will be communicated in due course.”
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones later said that Skelton would be given right up until kickoff to prove his fitness.
“He got a bit of a knock at the end of training. He is just getting some extra medical work now,” Jones said.
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“At this stage he’s still in the team.”
Australia is already without star prop Taniela Tupou (hamstring).
Jones said he believed Tupou would be available in the “next couple of weeks.”
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Hooker Dave Porecki sat next to Jones at his press conference and was asked whether he would lead the team should Skelton be ruled out.
“It’s all pretty new,” Porecki said.
“We’re fully expecting Will to be ready to go. I’ve just found out this morning. He’s pulled up a bit sore and he’s receiving medical treatment and we’ll go from there.”
WALLABIES (15-1): Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton (c), Nick Frost, James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu
