Larkham to fullback?
November 6, 2002

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones is considering switching Stephen Larkham to fullback for Saturday's Test against Ireland.

Australia is struggling with injury after beating Argentina 17-6 on Saturday, with Ben Tune (hamstring), Jeremy Paul (hamstring) and Mat Rogers (rib cartilage) ruled out and centre Matt Burke (hamstring) also in major doubt for the Lansdowne Road clash.

While Brumbies utility Mark Bartholomeusz has been flown to Europe as a replacement for Tune, and could conceivably play at fullback, Jones told the Daily Telegraph he is more likely to play Larkham there and move Elton Flatley to five-eighth.

"We'll need a fullback with a strong kicking game," Jones said after hearing rain and strong winds are tipped for the game.

"It would also be hard on Bartholomeusz given most of the guys in this squad have been together since June. He hasn't been part of that and just learning all the calls would be very difficult."

Larkham began his Wallaby career as a fullback in 1996, but after scoring five tries in 12 Tests in the position, was shifted to five-eighth by then coach Rod Macqueen, and has flourished in 41 Tests since.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices