Henderson to join the Wallabies Squad in Coffs Harbour

Wallabies prop Nic Henderson will join the squad in Coffs Harbour tomorrow morning after fellow front rower Matt Dunning failed to complete training this afternoon.

Dunning, who left the field mid way through the session with a lower back complaint, will be monitored over the coming days, while Wallaby Coach Eddie Jones says the inclusion of Henderson is just a precaution at this stage.

“Nic was due to play club rugby for the Canberra Vikings tomorrow against Gordon, but he will fly up to Coffs Harbour in the morning, as cover for Matty Dunning,” said Jones.

“Matty just felt a little bit of discomfort in his lower back during the session this afternoon, and while we’re confident he will be ok, Nic will come in as a precaution.”

In other injury news, Inside-back Elton Flatley was ruled out following his late withdrawal from last Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in Perth with blurred vision.

Team Doctor, Martin Raftery says Flatley has had further investigations on the injury this week, as well as being reviewed by a specialist.

"He has not fully recovered and will be given as much time as possible to return to full health."

“It’s been well documented that Elton has had problems with concussion this year and we’ve had to monitor that closely through the Super 12 and Test season,”

“Investigations suggest the blurred vision is related to prior concussive episodes and the best thing for Elton is to have the opportunity to recover fully and this means a period away from contact training.”

“Elton has already seen a specialist in Melbourne earlier this year, as well as a doctor in Brisbane, and an eye specialist this week. He will continue to seek the best advice available and needs time to fully recover before we can evaluate him further.”

Wallaby Coach Eddie Jones says while it’s disappointing for Flatley, it’s important he does what’s right for him and his career long term.

“Our main concern has always been for Elton’s health, and the advice suggests he needs to take a break from the game at the moment,” said Jones.

“We don’t know how long a break that is, but at this stage it is highly unlikely he would be available for selection for the Spring Tour, and the earliest we would see him back is for the Reds in the Super 14 next year.”

while several players were rested from training today including flyhalf Matt Giteau, who is still recovering from his lower back injury.

Mark Gerrard (hamstring), Clyde Rathbone (neck/shoulder), Matt Rogers (knee), Lote Tuqiri (knee), Morgan Turinui (lower back), and Phil Waugh (virus) all didn’t train, while hooker Stephen Moore also pulled up short with a knock to the lower leg.

“We had to rest a few guys today, but I was really pleased with the enthusiasm, especially from the new blokes in the squad,” said Jones.

“Of the players who didn’t train today, Matt Giteau is in the most doubt and we should know more about his availability on Sunday. As for the other guys we’ll just monitor each one on a case by case basis.”

The Wallabies will name their team to play New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

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Wallabies name new faces in Auckland Test Squad (Wed Aug 24)