Ryan replaces rested Alexander

Editor

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has called in Waratahs tighthead Paddy Ryan to his squad due to the enforced absence of Ben Alexander.

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has called in Waratahs tighthead Paddy Ryan to his 32-man squad due to the enforced absence of Ben Alexander.

Brumbies front-row forward Alexander has been ruled out after he was given an opportunity to rehabilitate an ongoing nerve compression issue.

McKenzie said all parties agreed it would be in the best interests for prop Alexander to use the Test window to get his body right for the rest of 2014.

“The injury is one I understand quite well being a former tighthead prop and while not a sinister issue, it can significantly influence performance due to the impact it has on a player's overall strength,” coach McKenzie told the ARU.

“In Ben's instance, it has been admirable to see him push through the pain at a Super Rugby level.

“However, when you consider the challenge we'll face against an extremely physical and abrasive French scrum, we all agreed it would be better suited for Ben to use the upcoming period to rehab the injury and re-gain his strength.”