Smith was today named in the starting line-up, and Jones is confident that he will not be forced to withdraw.

Giteau though, will not feature as fly-cover for Stephen Larkham, so the experienced Nathan Grey takes his place as Australia’s solitary change from the 22 on duty against Scotland.

“Matt Giteau has worked hard on his ankle with our medical staff, but unfortunately, he has still been unable to train and will miss the match,” said Jones.

“It was a tight call between Nathan Grey and Morgan Turinui for the bench spot, but Nathan’s ability to play fly-half makes him the preferred option.”

Lock David Giffin has been bracketed with Daniel Vickerman on the bench, subject to Giffin proving his fitness.

He suffered a thigh strain last week, and withdrew from the Scotland game just hours before kick-off.

“David is a very important player to this side, and it certainly didn’t help losing him on the morning of the quarter-final against Scotland,” added Jones.

“But he needs to complete training later today to play.”

Jones has again opted for an all ex-rugby league back-three of Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri, despite only Tuqiri really firing against Scotland. Experienced wing Joe Roff will be among the substitutes for a second successive Test.

The real pressure though, is on half-backs Larkham and George Gregan to dictate matters at the All Blacks’ expense and lift Australia from a series of below-par World Cup displays.

And Smith’s likely availability is a huge boost for the Wallabies, who feared the worst when he departed during the Scotland clash. Earlier this week, he was rated only a 50-50 prospect to recover in time.

Team: M Rogers; W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, B Darwin, J Harrison, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.

Replacements: J Paul, A Baxter, D Giffin or D Vickerman, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, N Grey, J Roff.