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Luckless back-rower Wycliff Palu is returning home to Australia after being ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a chronic hamstring injury.
Scans in Christchurch confirmed Palu requires six weeks of rehabilitation.
“It couldn’t be any worse for Cliffy, so that’s a very tough pill for him,” coach Robbie Deans said on Tuesday.
“He’s worked extraordinarily hard and that was evidenced in his physical state.
“Despite the injury challenges he’s had, he’s probably in the shape of his life, so it’s very disappointing for him and obviously he was a player we would have loved to have had around.”
While Palu will be replaced in Australia’s 30-man squad, Deans said selectors would be taking their time with any decision and may even delay any call until after Saturday’s final pool match against Russia in Nelson.
Palu has had a wretched past couple of seasons with a range of injuries, but none more frustrating than the 29-year-old’s left hamstring.
“It’s pretty disappointing, but it was good to get an opportunity and I’ve just got to move on from here,” he said.
“I’ve done this hammy so many times so, when I first did it, I kind of had a feeling in the back of my mind that I’d probably be on the plane back home.
“The scans confirmed it yesterday.”
Fullback Kurtley Beale (hamstring) and lock Dan Vickerman (leg) also underwent scans but have been cleared, though Deans said Beale would be rested against Russia as a precautionary move.
The Wallabies have decided to keep Rob Horne in camp, despite the 23-year-old fracturing a cheekbone in last Friday night’s 67-5 win over the United States.
Deans was confident Horne would be available for the semi-finals if Australia were still alive, while fellow centres Pat McCabe (shoulder) and Anthony Faingaa (concussion) will be ready for the quarters.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.