The Western Force centre Ryan Cross looks set to be named this afternoon as the replacement for the concussed Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock in their starting lineup for Saturday night's Tri-Nations rugby test against the All Blacks in Sydney.
Flanker George Smith will take over the captaincy.
The Wallabies utility Adam Ashley-Cooper says Saturday night's test will be their best guide yet as to their progress under new coach Robbie Deans.
PLAY AUDIO: RUGBY DATE TP
IN:......LOOKING AT
OUT:...THE WALLABIES ARE TO DATE.
DUR:...12 SECS.
Meanwhile the All Blacks coach Graham Henry says he'll be leaving it up to Richie McCaw to decide if he's ready to play this weekend, after 5 weeks off with an ankle injury...
PLAY AUDIO:RUGBY COMPETITIVE
IN:......It's a....
OUT:...he'll play.
DUR:...17 secs.
McCaw's been bracketed with Daniel Braid, and a final decision on his fitness will be left until as late as Friday.
