Sharpe set for 100-cap milestone

Australia second row Nathan Sharpe is set to be handed his 100th Test cap when the Wallabies meet Wales in the play-off for third at Eden Park on Friday.

The 33-year-old veteran missed out on reaching the milestone in Australia’s semi-final defeat by New Zealand on Sunday after being controversially dropped in favour of rookie Rob Simmons.

But the former Wallabies captain is almost certain to be named in the match 22 after an Australia team official confirmed on Tuesday that fellow second row Dan Vickerman was in no state to play.

The spokesman said Vickerman had suffered shoulder and leg injuries and broken his nose in Australia’s 20-6 loss to the All Blacks.

Sharpe made his debut for the Wallabies against France in 2002 and has been a stalwart of the team since then, providing a constant physical presence and a dependable target at the lineout.

Wallabies back Adam Ashley-Cooper believes Sharpe’s achievement will motivate the team as they try to put the disappointment of the semi-final result behind them.

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"It's just an incredible achievement,” Ashley-Cooper said.

“I'm not sure how he's feeling but to pull on the jersey once is enough. To put it on 100 times, that's amazing.”

The 27-year-old said he was desperate to be selected to play against Wales so he could share the moment when Sharpe becomes the fifth Australian to achieve the century milestone.

“To share that with a teammate and a really good mate that you've shared years and years with is special. You want to share that experience with him,” he said.

There are, however, several other Wallabies who will not get that opportunity after suffering injuries in Sunday's defeat.

Joining Vickerman on the casualty list are hooker Stephen Moore (sternum), prop Sekope Kepu (eye) and centre Pat McCabe (shoulder).