Reinforcement players Tom Banks, Jack Maddocks and Luke Jones have joined the Wallabies in sweltering Japan as coach Michael Cheika takes every precaution ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Cheika put his men through the first training run of their build up week in Odawara on Wednesday, surprised to see about 2000 onlookers at the open session.
The locals weren’t put off by the early start time, with Cheika anxious to avoid the heat of the day.
The temperature had hit 30 deg C by 8am, accompanied by humidity of 85 per cent.
Brumbies fullback Banks, Melbourne Rebels winger Maddocks and Rebels utility forward Jones will train with the squad until Saturday, before tournament rules dictate they must return home.
“They’re just providing some extra training cover and, of course, they would be the next guys in if we had any injuries,” Cheika said.
“We’ve got to be ready with that group.”
The injury situation is unchanged within Australia’s 31-man squad, with only uncapped teenager Jordan Petaia (hamstring) definitely unavailable for the first group match against Fiji in Sapporo next Saturday. He is also touch-and-go to meet Wales the following week.
Fellow outside centre Tevita Kuridrani (hamstring) is expected to be fit for the opener, along with lock Adam Coleman (thumb), who will sit out a couple of contact sessions this week.
“Tevita is running nearly back at full pace. I’m hopeful he’s going to be right,” Cheika said.
“The target for Jordan is a couple of weeks later … we’re hopeful it’ll be Wales but if not, I’m comfortable with the one after (Uruguay).”
Cheika addressed the Odawara mayor, Kenichi Kato, at a welcoming ceremony and thanked the local community for adopting the Wallabies.
The city south of Tokyo has reportedly been nicknamed “Odawallaby” and is festooned with green and gold banners.
“This is sort of our home ground here and we want to make sure the people here enjoy having the Wallabies in town,” Cheika said.