Jones maps out World Cup plan
Eleven of Australia’s key players will go into the defence of the World Cup without having played a match in eight weeks.
The Wallabies’ meticulous coach Eddie Jones conducted one-on-one interviews with each member of the extended squad and, following medical assessments, the ARU’s High Performance Unit outlined exactly what action each of the stars should see.
Barring Toutai Kefu, was below par and not fully-fit during most of the Tri-Nations and will play two matches for Souths in Brisbane. The entire first-choice pack will be fully rested.
Captain George Gregan, Elton Flatley, Wendell Sailor and Chris Latham will also sit out matches for their respective clubs before the World Cup squad, announced on September 4, troop off to Darwin for a Survivor-style camp.
That will be the first time the 30-man party get together as the squad chosen to defend the Webb Ellis Trophy and the trip is aimed at forging a team unity and confidence.
Jones ruled out the possibility of organising last-minute warm-up matches despite the recent run of four defeats in five Tests and will, instead, monitor players’ form in their respective club competitions.
“We have done one-on-one interviews with all the players. Its been done on a case by case basis, on what’s in the best interests of the player in terms of their preparations for the World Cup,” said Jones.
“It’s got nothing to do with the number of games, it’s got nothing to do with anything apart from what’s in their best interests for World Cup preparation.
“If they need to do string physical training, they’ll do strong physical training.
“If they need to play club football, they’ll play club football.”
Jones will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the form of those battling it out for a spot in the centres, with the in-form Morgan Turinui, Steve Kefu and Nathan Grey all down to play three matches.
Stirling Mortlock, just returning from injury that kept him out of the entire Super 12 season, June Tests and Tri-Nations, will play just the once as he is gingerly re-introduced to action.
Jones is more concerned that Mortlock, who promises to be a key player during the World Cup, is fully-fit and fully recovered in time to join the squad.
Matt Burke, almost certain to be in the squad as cover for both full-back and outside centre, will play three games for Eastwood in the Toohey New Cup while back-up scrum-half Chris Whitaker will turn out three times for Randwick.
The ARU’s High Performance Unit’s player availability schedule for the extended 38-man Australia squad is:
No club matches: G Gregan, E Flatley, W Sailor, C Latham; B Cannon, P Noriega, Bill Young, D Vickerman, D Giffin, P Waugh, G Smith.
One club match: S Larkham, S Mortlock, J Roff, M Rogers, N Sharpe.
Two club matches: T Kefu, O Finegan, L Tuqiri.
Three club matches: M Burke, B Darwin, M Dunning, M Giteau, N Grey, J Harrison, D Heenan, S Kefu, D Lyons, J Paul, M Turinui, C Whitaker.
All club matches: M Cockbain, D Croft, A Freier, M Gerrard, G Panoho, S Staniforth, J Valentine.
