KEY POINTS:
MONTPELLIER - The Wallabies have dodged a bullet with winger Drew Mitchell escaping further punishment for a spear tackle in last weekend's win over Wales.
No citings came out of Australia's 32-20 win at Millennium Stadium, but Wallabies management were holding their breath right until the 48-hour post-match
window expired.
Coach John Connolly had admitted to concerns after Mitchell was sinbinned for his reckless dumping of Welsh hooker Matthew Rees.
The International Rugby Board's citing commissioners have been taking a strict view on foul play and there was a feeling the winger could be in trouble.
Hooker Stephen Moore also escaped any sanction after taking out Welsh winger Shane Williams late in a clumsy tackle over the sideline.
Mitchell's availability for Monday's third Pool B match against Fiji in Montpellier was crucial as the Wallabies may be without three backs.
Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock will miss the match while Adam Ashley-Cooper is in doubt because of a foot problem.
Although this match originally appeared to be earmarked for the Wallabies substitutes to start, the selectors are looking to secure top place in Pool B with their strongest side available.
Mortlock's injury should see veteran halfback George Gregan made skipper, to equal England's Will Carling's record of 59 for the greatest number of tests as captain.
But it will throw up a quandary as to who to select at centre if Ashley-Cooper is unfit, with Lote Tuqiri, Julian Huxley and Scott Staniforth all options.
"If push comes to shove [Mortlock] could probably even play next weekend," Connolly said.
"But the situation we're in, he may well have one or two weeks off and hopefully focus on a quarter-final.
"Adam, we hope, will be okay, which is important for the balance of our side."
Moore is also in doubt with a lower leg injury.
Now the September 29 match against Canada looms as the game the Wallabies reserves will have a chance to shine in from kickoff.
A win against the Fijians, who will play their second-string side to save their best for a "sudden death" game against Wales, will ensure an easier quarter-final, probably against England. Although Connolly yesterday half-joked England, who lost 36-0 to South Africa,were no certainties to get past Samoa and Tonga, he denied they were pushovers.
"I don't think England are weak," he said.
"They've got the scrum, they've got the lineout, they get [Jonny] Wilkinson back, a couple of players back from injury, they've got the ability to play very well and they've shown that."
AAP
