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'No mind games' - The latest on Will Skelton's availability
By PA
Australia remain hopeful captain Will Skelton will be fit for their second outing of the World Cup against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
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The second row missed the Wallabies’ team photo shoot on Saturday having been troubled by a calf injury in the build-up to the Pool C clash at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
That sparked speculation the 31-year-old had been ruled out but line-out coach Dan Palmer insisted that was not the case.
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Speaking at a press conference, Palmer said: “We are giving Will as much time as possible to get ready for the game.
“He’s in treatment, working with the physios at the moment. We’ll give him until the last minute.
“There’s no mind games, we are just giving him as long as possible. He’s an important part of our team and we’re prepared to do that. He might play and he might not.”
Palmer confirmed Matt Philip, who did feature in the team photo, will come into the side should Skelton fail to make it with David Porecki taking over as skipper.
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Veteran prop James Slipper, scrum-half Nic White and lock Nick Frost are also set to feature.
The Wallabies are looking for their second victory of the tournament after opening with a 35-15 triumph over Georgia.
Fiji are hoping to spring a shock after being edged out 32-26 in a thrilling clash with Wales last week.
Assistant coach Graham Dewes said: “If we’d just done a few things, nailed our basics, we would have nailed those opportunities we had. So, just do the basics and our natural game will flow.”
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