Australia’s lineout coach Dan Palmer on Saturday denied the Wallabies are enjoying thoughts video games over the doable inclusion of captain Will Skelton in opposition to Fiji on the World Cup.
Head coach Eddie Jones on Friday named Skelton in his beginning line-up for the Pool C conflict in Saint Etienne on Sunday, despite the fact that the lock limped out of coaching the day earlier than with a calf damage.
Skelton was additionally lacking from the official staff {photograph} on Saturday, with Richie Arnold, who was initially named on the bench, carrying his quantity 5 jersey, and Matt Philip included despite the fact that he was not a part of the unique 23-man matchday squad.
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“There’s no mind games, we’re just giving him as long as possible to get ready,” mentioned Palmer on the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, the place Australia and Fiji each took half in eve-of-match coaching classes.
“He’s an important part of our team and we’re prepared to do that.” Palmer confirmed that hooker David Porecki would captain the aspect if Skelton missed out.
Skelton skipped the official {photograph} as a result of he was present process therapy on his calf with the Wallaby physiotherapists, mentioned Palmer.
Palmer batted away a query about why Philip had been included within the staff {photograph}.
“He (Skelton) might play and he might not, so if he doesn’t we’re confident MP (Philip) can step up and do a job for us,” mentioned Palmer, a former worldwide prop.
“He’s a world-class lock so he’ll be Will’s replacement if Will’s not ready.”
Skelton, 31, was a shock alternative as captain for the World Cup, after Jones left veteran flanker Michael Hooper out of his 33-man match squad.
Jones was evasive on Friday about Skelton, saying solely that the New Zealand-born lock of Samoan descent could be given “right up until kick-off” to show his health.
Jones recalled 34-year-old prop James Slipper to his beginning line-up to interchange the injured Taniela Tupou at tighthead.
Although Slipper will turn into solely the third Wallaby after George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper to seem in 4 World Cups, the prop was ignored for the captaincy position.
But Slipper mentioned it was no disappointment as he has at all times been a “team first” participant.
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“Dave, given the opportunity, he’ll be superb with the way he goes about his business on the field as a player,” mentioned Slipper, who will win his 132nd cap on Sunday, a determine bettered for Australia solely by Gregan’s 139 Test appearances.
“He leads by example, he’s just one of those players who’s really measured, really calm and composed, really world-class at his craft, that hooker role.
“He’s got the respect from the boys so if he’s given the chance he’d do really well.”
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Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
