RUGBY: Australia forwards Toutai Kefu, Patricio Noriega and Glenn Panoho are doubtful for Saturday's Tri-nations Test against New Zealand after failing to join in full training yesterday because of leg injuries.
Wallabies vice-captain Kefu, who suffered spinal concussion in Australia's 29-9 Tri-nations win over South Africa in Brisbane on August 2nd, is struggling to overcome a calf muscle strain.
"Kefu trained lightly today. We're reasonably optimistic he's going to be right to play but he'll have to train tomorrow," Australia coach Eddie Jones told reporters at the Coffs Harbour training base north of Sydney.
"He's going to have to show tomorrow that he can run at a reasonable pace."
Number eight Kefu, who is the leader of Australia's forwards and the main ball-runner in the pack, said he had a good chance of playing. "It's a bit tight still but the medical staff are sure that I should be right by tomorrow," the 29-year-old said.
"I really want to play. It's our biggest game so far. If I'm only 90-95 per cent right I probably still will play because we've got seven to eight weeks off after this."
Jones has promoted uncapped prop Alastair Baxter, 26, to the training squad as he waits for experienced pair Noriega and Panoho to prove their fitness. Noriega is struggling with a groin muscle strain.
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