The Wallabies injury curse has developed into a full-blown wing crisis heading into next month’s European tour with eight Test flyers currently sidelined.
Rookie Dom Shipperley is the latest to be added to the long list of unavailable wingers after undergoing scans for a lingering wrist injury, which ruled him out of Saturday night’s clash with New Zealand.
The Wallabies are sweating on the results as they are currently struggling to find enough fit finishers for the four-Test end-of-season tour, starting against France in Paris on November 10.
Shipperley’s injury follows fellow Queensland winger Digby Ioane’s scratching from the third Bledisloe Test at Suncorp Stadium with a knee injury.
Game-breaker Ioane is Australia’s most potent ball-runner and his loss is a serious blow for a depleted Wallabies team hoping to spring a major upset to end the All Blacks’ 16-match winning streak.
Only the welcome returns of utility Adam Ashley-Cooper (head knock) and Drew Mitchell (ankle) from injury ensured coach Robbie Deans had enough wing cover for this week along with new call-up Nick Cummins, who will play on the left flank despite nursing a cork.
James O’Connor, Joe Tomane, Lachie Turner, Cooper Vuna, Rod Davies and Luke Morahan – all wingers with Test experience in the past two seasons – are currently sidelined through injury.
“We’re not exactly overendowed for wingers at the minute so the timing of Drew coming back is good,” said Deans, who had been resigned to losing Mitchell for the year after he’s been scheduled for ankle surgery.
“It’s a good story (for Mitchell) because he’s had a lot of bad luck.
“He thought he could have been facing a career-ending situation.”
Deans remains hopeful both Ioane and Shipperley can play on the European tour but neither are certainties.
Highlighting the lack of alternatives, Wallabies medics will contemplate deferring potential surgery for Shipperley if he can play on in November.
“The results will determine on where too from here,” Deans said.
“Those decisions will be made when we’ve got more information.”
The Wallabies’ bewildering injury woes – robbing them of almost half of their best team – also worsened on Tuesday with reserve hooker Saia Faingaa added to their long list after he broke his hand at training.
Uncapped Queensland teammate James Hanson replaces Faingaa on the bench.
Ian
Guest
ARU should not consider overseas based players, it is unfair to the players who stick around in Australia. SARU resorted to selecting Francois Louw and Ruan Pienaar this year and Francois Steyn in the past. I can only imagine that home based South African rugby players a pretty pissed about that. Although it would be good to have Luke Burgess and Matt Giteau (they shouldn't have let him go) back. This must not happen in Australia, out of principle. Peter Betham should definitely be considered for the Wallabies, Kuridrani has a lot of potential, but still needs to prove himself a high level.
Sydney Kiwi
Guest
I reckon! Giteau would be a handy man to have in the team right now.
allblackfan
Guest
One side wore blue shorts (Tasman), the other white! (Southland) May be wise to take the salt but the massive scores are a result of an attacking mindset. Defences are opening up because they're being tested more frequently -- quick restarts, more lineouts, 5-second rule, No 10 passing the ball more etc. First couple of games he was timid then he really ripped into it. Learning to work harder, goes looking for the ball (got caught out a couple of times because of the rapid turnover and attack). Interesting to see him if he plays against Otago tomorrw night in the first premiership semi-final!
Justin2
Guest
Talk about a jersey clash, haven't they got away strips? I couldn't tell who was who! On Betham it must be one if a few things - he is finding his feet now, his talent has been there or the ITM cup standard just isn't that good. We've seen some massive scores so defense is questionable. Do we take his form with a grain of salt perhaps?
nobody
Guest
it will hurt his pride if he (Deans) calls Gits back, i thought men get over there problems very easily and quickly than women but i was wrong about this 2.
Jutsie
Guest
Also touched base with burgess. Wonder if giteau will get a call ;)
gaffa
Guest
The force need to bring him home and quick!
the bone
Guest
Apparently ARU have touched base with Dane Haylett-Petty from Biarritz to see his availability around spring tour
Adam-15
Roar Pro
i agree Kuridrani is a massive talent and has a lot of potential. Only 21 years old, 196cm, 100kg and he's quick. I'm not sure our Betham has been playing but I know he certainly hasn't been able to hold down a super rugby starting spot let alone a bench spot. I do hope he's getting some good experience in the ITM cup though.
Mike
Guest
I think Suzy has moved on from poison to something else.
gaffa
Guest
the force were going to pick him up but it looks like his injury will keep him out for the next year so i dont see that happening now.
Markus
Guest
Of the remaining fit and eligible wingers Mafi would be my pick too. Once he finally overcame his shocking run of injuries he showed he's still got plenty to offer. Provided his Shute Shield injury wasn't too severe I'd like to see someone pick up Pakalani for next year too. Cummins, Mafi and Pakalani would make for a pretty potent back three.
Mal
Guest
Bring in Nathan Charles as well. Had a great year, works well with throwing the ball to Sharpie
bluerose
Guest
time to take Betham and Kuridrani for the EOYT, also Lachie Mitchell from the Rebels, he wont let anyone down, try Mogg on the wing (probably his best position), we have Will Tupou from the Force who plays center, all is not lost,
gaffa
Guest
Bring in Alfi Mafi he killed it this year!
johnno
Guest
This is yet another reason to sack Deans and the whole ARU. Player welfare is not being adhered to and I put the blame squarely on Dean's shoulders. Who else is there to blame? Deans as a kiwi does not want us to succeed against his countrymen.
Markus
Guest
Murphy does not qualify under the IRB requirements (Australian grandparent and/or 3 years residency), despite having dual Australian/Irish citizenship and having lived here most of his childhood. He is classified as the Brumbies marquee signing until they appeal that or he meets the 3 year residency requirement.
Jagman
Guest
To be fair he looked like a fish out of water when playing for the waratahs this year and I initially was very sceptical towards him being contracted ahead of Pakalani, his incredible form is mostly out of the blue. Then I watched this try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMKcQKMdMMc
Justin2
Guest
Staggered me he was let go by the Rebels. He killed it in a few preseason matches and never seemed to get a proper opportunity. Yet they hang onto a guy like Mitchell who while gutsy is never going to threaten too much and lets tries in down his wing all year long....
Jagman
Guest
You're right Kuruki and not just because all the other Aus wingers are in the casualty ward. One that wasn't mentioned on the injury list is Chris F-Sautia BTW.