Eales declares he will play
July 2, 2001

Wallabies skipper John Eales has declared himself a certain starter for Saturday's second Test against the British and Irish Lions at Colonial Stadium in Melbourne.

Eales, who corked his thigh during the Wallabies' woeful 29-13 loss to the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday, and flyhalf Steve Larkham have been given until Tuesday afternoon to prove that they're a realistic chance to being ready for the second Test.

Larkham injured his elbow, but is also hopeful of starting. Neither player joined in the team's training session on Monday.

"Almost 100 percent certain," Eales said of his chances of playing. "The injury's pretty much under control. I anticipate training fully tomorrow."

With pride obviously injured more than his suspect thigh, Eales cut a disconsolate figure on the sidelines among a crowd of about 100 schoolchildren and fans watching training at Wesley College on Monday.

In this AFL-obsessed city, it was a terrific turnout.

Coach Rod Macqueen hopes it's a taste of things to come at Colonial Stadium to help counter the Lions' massive supporter base, which surprised everybody at the Gabba last Saturday night.

"I think it was estimated that about two-thirds of the stadium were Lions supporters," he said. "I think it's great for rugby but it's a little bit disappointing from the point of view of the team. It's nice to have some home ground advantage.

"Melbourne supporters have been great in the past. They've always been on our side and I hope they will do so again."

The Wallabies will name their side on Wednesday and are almost certain to make changes. One change forced upon them is replacing hooker Jeremy Paul, out with cruciate ligament damage.

That job is almost certain to fall to Queensland's Michael Foley.

But Macqueen dashed any hopes of an Allan Langer-style recall for England-based centre Tim Horan, whose defensive prowess would be useful in countering Irish wunderkind Brian O'Driscoll.

"Timmy's always been a great inspiration to the side but I think we can do without him this time around," Macqueen said.

The Wallabies will train behind closed doors on Tuesday afternoon and will spend much of the week making promotional appearances around Melbourne.

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