Wallabies sweat on Larkham
July 10, 2001

Flyhalf Elton Flatley has replaced Stephen Larkham at training as the Wallabies give their key playmaker until Friday to recover for Saturday's series decider against the Lions at Stadium Australia.

Larkham sustained nerve damage to his right shoulder during last Saturday's 35-14 victory against the Lions at Melbourne's Colonial Stadium and was carrying his arm at Tuesday's training.

"It's one of those things that could be okay in a day or two or could take a couple of weeks so we'll leave it until the last minute," Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said.

"It's not dull, not painful, it just doesn't work," added Larkham. "It's really frustrating this one because you can't really understand why your muscle's not working.

"It feels kind of weird and frustrating being in doubt every week but it's
something you have to deal with. I can't pass at the moment and it's very difficult to run. I can probably throw myself into tackles but the problem is getting my arm up to pass the ball and running."

There was better news for lock David Giffin, who has recovered well from a shoulder injury and is no doubt for Saturday's game.

The Lions are expected to make an announcement on flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson on Tuesday night. Wilkinson suffered soft tissue damage to his left leg in Melbourne and is in serious doubt.

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