Anxious wait for Deans
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is anxiously awaiting the results on fitness reports of four crucial players ahead of their clash with France this weekend.
Lock Sitaleki Timani is the only player who featured in the Brisbane draw with the All Blacks, whilst Deans is also hopeful of getting hooker Stephen Moore, openside flank David Pocock and wing Digby Ioane back in the mix.
Timani was replaced by Kane Douglas 20 minutes into the All Blacks game and has been receiving treatment on his back ever since.
Ioane injured his knee against Argentina in Rosario the week before, Moore strained a hamstring in training ahead of the Springboks match in Pretoria, while Pocock is coming back from a long-term knee injury.
Deans said he would err on the side of caution for all of the players, despite the urge to roll out his best players for a Test on which international rankings may hinge.
"They're all going well but it's a matter of, particularly with the travel, whether they're good enough to enter the fray this week," he said.
Deans acknowledged that France will be just as eager to stamp their authority following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and added that his side are keen to test themselves against the World Cup finalists.
"It's a game that's important to both teams; both teams have stated that," Deans said. "Our guys are very enthusiastic about this trip. They're looking forward to it. Sure, it's been off the back of a big calendar year, but within the group you wouldn't know that," he said.
