Stirling Mortlock is targeting a return to action against Ireland after being ruled out of Australia's opening two tour matches.
Former Australia skipper targets Ireland return
Former captain Stirling Mortlock is targeting a return to action against Ireland after being ruled out of Australia's first two internationals of their tour.
The 32-year-old, who is suffering from a knee injury, will remain in Australia for treatment when the Wallabies travel to Tokyo to take on New Zealand.
The Brumbies captain will also be absent for the Grand Slam opener against England at Twickenham a week later, where the Wallabies will be aiming to put their Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup woes behind them and emulate Australia's Grand Slam success of 1984.
Mortlock, who pulled out of the Tri-Nations tournament due to the injury, insists he will be fit and "raring to go" for the November 15 showdown with Ireland at Croke Park.
"It's bad enough, it's a decent size tear in the muscle," Mortlock said.
"I think realistically we're targeting being 100 per cent right by that week leading into the Ireland match.
"Obviously it is extremely disappointing but you take it in your stride.
"The best way forward for me is getting treatment here in Australia and doing that over the next two and a half weeks and hopefully meeting up with the team, raring to go.
"I'll be ready to go, don't worry about that."
