The Wallabies are giving captain Will Skelton every chance to be fit for Monday's match (AEST) against Fiji as he deals with a calf issue.
Skelton was not at the team's final captain's run as he continues to try and prove his fitness.
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Matt Philip filled his place in the team's photo, with Richie Arnold in the #5 jersey.
Despite this, assistant coach Dan Palmer insists the La Rochelle lock remains a chance to play.
"We're giving Will as much time as possible. He's in treatment working with the physios so at the moment Will (is still captain)," Palmer told reporters
"Absolutely (he's a chance to play) ... there's no mind games, we're just giving him as long as possible to get ready. He's an important part of our team and we're prepared to do that.
" We're confident MP (Matt Philip) can step up and do a job for us. He's a world-class lock so he'll be Will's replacement if he's out...It's only a minor strain hence why he's still in the mix."
Palmer confirmed Dave Porecki would step up as captain, the sixth man to lead the side in 2023.
Fellow front-rower James Slipper backed Porecki to step up to the leadership if Skelton is out.
“Dave, if given the opportunity, he’ll be superb,” Slipper said.
“The way he goes his business on the field as a player, he leads by example. He’s one of those players who is really measured, composed and world class at his craft.
"He's got the respect of the boys so if he's given the chance he will do really well...good captains find a way under pressure to stay composed and to lead and he does that well."
