Larkham stands by embattled Gregan

Wallabies fly half Stephen Larkham says Australian captain George Gregan still has the full support of his team-mates, despite some sections of the media calling for the veteran half-back to be dropped.

Gregan's place in the Wallabies' starting line-up has been questioned following last Saturday night's 20-18 Tri-Nations win over South Africa in Sydney, yet coach John Connolly said he deserved to hold his position based on his recent form.

Larkham, who also plays alongside Gregan at the Brumbies, said the world's most-capped player was still the best man to wear the number nine jersey.

"I think he is playing his best football that I've seen him play over the last sort of five years," he said.

"I think he's in really good shape at the moment and the guys in the team are really strongly behind George."

Gregan's understudy Sam Cordingley is set to miss Australia's next Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Auckland on August 19 with a foot injury, prompting Connolly to call up two uncapped players as cover.

Waratahs half-backs Brett Sheehan and Josh Holmes will join the Wallabies when they assemble in Canberra.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA