Coleman ready for crucial Sydney clash

Adam Coleman has declared himself fit to play in Australia’s series decider with Ireland despite still working through head injury assessment protocols after the second Test.

Coleman suffered a cheekbone injury after colliding with Wallabies team-mate Israel Folau in Melbourne, the second-rower eventually forced off after failing a concussion exam.

Initial fears of a fracture were cleared following a scan and Coleman was able to travel with Michael Cheika’s squad to Sydney.

The forward insists he is ready to play, however he will have to wait for official medical clearance before taking his place in the matchday squad.

“It’s fine,” Coleman said, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’s obviously a big knock on the head but I’m training and getting through it. I will be fine for the weekend if I get selected.

“I’m currently going through all the HIA protocols to make sure I’m sweet for the weekend.

“I just remember trying to make a tackle … and then I got the top of Izzy’s head on my cheek bone. I came off second best.”

.@AllianzStadium ready for an ultimate decider #AUSvIRL #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/dlBoGlFrYx

— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) June 18, 2018

The Wallabies failed to build on their opening win in Brisbane, Ireland sealing their first triumph in Australia since 1979 as they hit back 26-21.

Despite that disappointment, Coleman is confident the hosts can finish the series on a high with a victory at Allianz Stadium.

“For us, it’s making sure that we do the little things a lot better than we did in that game,” Coleman added.

“In areas of that game, we lost our way and it’s about making sure we potentially exit a lot better.

“It’s about making sure we prepare the best we can and making sure that we don’t leave any stone unturned and making sure that when we run on the pitch we’re not actually thinking about our gameplan, it comes naturally.”

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