Pie defends Test format

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury is fighting the calls to scrap international rules out of concern for injuries to the AFL’s star players.

And the star midfielder is underlining his commitment to the IRS format by keeping himself in the squad for Saturday’s second Test in Perth.

Pendlebury sent a scare through the Australian camp – and more so Collingwood – when he injured a finger on his left hand in Australia’s 10point win against Ireland at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Scans revealed no break. “It’s only minor,” Pendlebury said. “If it was the AFL, I would’ve played out the game and I would’ve played the next week. I’m keen to play on Saturday over in Perth.”