The Wallabies have been forced to examine the possibility of starting underdone hooker Brendan Cannon for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener following an injury to fellow rake Jeremy Paul.

Paul, who has started at No.2 in all six Tests this year, flew to Sydney from the Wallabies' training base at Coffs Harbour to have his neck and shoulder assessed by a specialist after complaining of stiffness in the area.

Coach Eddie Jones said it was a precautionary measure and there was no sign of structural damage but would wait on a final doctor's report before deciding on whether Paul would play.

The team will be announced on Wednesday.

While the Brumbies hooker has struggled a little particularly in lineouts this year, it is far from an ideal situation with the technically superior Cannon having been out of action with an Achilles injury for 10 weeks.

Cannon played for Sydney University in club rugby on Saturday and while coming through unscathed it was his first hit out since the Super 12 final on May 28.

Jones admitted Cannon wasn't up to a full game but in a Test against New Zealand would almost certainly plump for the 32-year-old over rookie Stephen Moore if Paul was ruled out.

"He's come back really well but he's basically had 80 minutes in the season," Jones said of Cannon.

"He's had a full nine or 10 weeks off if not more so he's a long way from full match fitness.

"We've got him and Stephen Moore who has been with us the whole time so I think if need be we could get a good 80 minutes out of those two."

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