Deans stands by Elsom

Canberra - Australia coach Robbie Deans has dismissed concerns that skipper Rocky Elsom's injury could rule him out of the World Cup squad amid growing calls for selectors to name a replacement captain.

Elsom played his first match in six months in the Brumbies' 13-13 draw against Western Force at the weekend after recovering from a troublesome hamstring strain, but faces another long stint on the sidelines after suffering a high ankle sprain (syndesmosis) during the match.

The 28-year-old flanker is a doubt to play another match in the Super rugby season, raising fears that Australia could head into the start of the test season in July with the captaincy in doubt.

"It's syndesmosis, but it is not as sinister as they often are, which is evident from the fact that Rocky finished the game (against Perth)," Deans told reporters.

"We don't believe it will come to (discussing new captains). He will be fine by the time the (test) program starts. There's no suggestion from the prognosis that he won't be available."

The Wallabies kick off their international season against Samoa on July 17, before matches against South Africa and New Zealand in an abridged Tri-Nations tournament. The World Cup starts on September 9.