Mortlock, who damaged medial ligaments in the Super 12 semi-final a month ago, was cleared to resume training along with his ACT Brumbies team-mate Mark Gerrard.

"Medically they are fit now, physically they are okay, so it's just a matter of how they front up at training, to be considered for selection," said Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

"We've got some good outside backs in Australia at the moment, so selection is going to be difficult."

A fit Mortlock would be expected to reclaim the outside centre role from Clyde Rathbone, who made his Test debut against Scotland on Saturday.

Even with a return for Mortlock in the centres, Rathbone could still keep a place in the starting line-up by switching to the wing.

The former South Africa Under-21 captain enjoyed a prolific season out wide for the Brumbies but would probably be up against Gerrard and Wendell Sailor for a place in the side.

"Rathbone played very well in the Super 12 on the wing, so it's a definite possibility," said Jones.

Gerrard was denied the chance of a Test debut after straining a thigh muscle in the build-up to Australia's first game of the season.