Israel Folau will miss the second Bledisloe Cup test with a leg injury. Photo / Photosport
The Wallabies are keeping their fullback options open, or at least under wraps, as they find a way to reverse what turned into a disastrous Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.
Australia's chances of securing a long awaited win at Eden Park have been hit by the loss of Israel Folau
for Saturday night.
They have about five options to cover for their star back, the candidates including fast stepping midfielder Kurtley Beale - who shifted to fullback when Folau went off with ankle damage.
Other possibilities include Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge and Tom Banks.
Coach Michael Cheika is believed to have spoken to a number of those candidates after the Sydney loss.
"We've got more fullbacks than wings," said Haylett-Petty, at the team's Waiheke Island hotel.
Lock Adam Coleman had the strongest words about the Sydney defeat, accepting the forwards were disappointed with their set piece problems in Sydney. He rejected suggestions the Wallabies had run out of steam in the second half, saying turnovers – including at set piece – had allowed the All Blacks to let loose with their counter attacks.
"We let people down on our home turf," he said.
"It was a performance we're not really proud of. It hurts.
"This is a good opportunity to respond."
The Wallabies are unsure if props Scott Sio and Taniela Tupou will be fit for a return, with the latter the more likely.
