Matt Mostyn's knee injury again prevented the Irish winger from taking part in the squad's last full-scale run-out in Perth yesterday before the second Test at the Subiaco Oval tomorrow. As a result, he must be considered doubtful.

If Mostyn is ruled out, Jonathan Bell would move up from the replacements' bench, perhaps at centre with Kevin Maggs moving to the wing. The make-up of the replacements' bench has been further complicated by Mike Mullins's knee injury which is likely to rule him out, in which case 19-year-old Jeremy Staunton would be promoted to the bench.

A decision as to whether Jeremy Davidson will fill the forwards' vacancy on the bench will be made today after the protective cast on the lock's injured hand is removed. Davidson is reasonably confident that he will be fit.