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BRISBANE - Rejigged Wallabies plans could be thrown into disarray because Stephen Larkham is once again in doubt for the second rugby test against Wales here on Saturday.
The 95-test veteran played only a limited part in a training session at Ballymore today after feeling tightness in his
troublesome hamstring.
Larkham, who prior to training predicted he would be 100 per cent right for the test, will rest tomorrow before being assessed again on Friday when Australia have their captain's run at the test venue, Suncorp Stadium.
Coach John Connolly felt Larkham should be right to play but has been taking an ultra-cautious approach with his invaluable playmaker.
Were he ruled out it might force a second rethink by the Wallabies selectors after they overlooked long-term skipper George Gregan to give Matt Giteau time at halfback beside Larkham.
Connolly had originally earmarked Gregan to start in Brisbane but Larkham's late scratching before the 29-23 first test win forced a change.
While Larkham and Giteau know each other's games inside out after lining up at No 10 and 12 for the Brumbies and Wallabies from 2003, they have started together in the halves just twice.
Connolly felt it crucial to give Giteau, Larkham and rookie second five-eighth Adam Ashley-Cooper, who received little ball in the first test, time together before winding down experimentation during the upcoming Tri-Nations.
Connolly praised Gregan for his selfless commitment to the World Cup cause after benching him for the second successive week.
Not since 1996 has Gregan been overlooked for two consecutive test starts but it remains to be seen whether he may get a late starting recall at No 9 were Larkham ruled out.
Gregan had been told he'd start in one of the first three domestic tests, leaving him at short odds to play against Fiji in Perth next week if he doesn't start on Saturday.
Connolly admitted Gregan was disappointed at missing out but has impressed all with his team-first attitude, work ethic and tutelage of novice No 9 Giteau.
"He's worked hard with Matt Giteau and he's done everything he can, playing a big role behind the scenes," Connolly said.
"He's disappointed, he would like to play, but he also understands the situation we've got."
- AAP
