Wallabies centre Len Ikitau will miss the Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand but could still take his place at the World Cup after suffering a shoulder injury while scoring in the Test against Argentina.
A Wallabies spokesman confirmed Ikitau suffered a a fractured scapula with a 6-8 week estimated recovery timeline. The Wallabies opening World Cup match against Georgia in Paris is eight weeks away and with a seven week tournament, Eddie Jones would be expected to pick the star Brumby.
Ikitau did extremely well to cross out wide under intense pressure after just five minutes.
The move was sparked when Mark Nawaqanitawase took a quick tap from a penalty to put the Argentina defence in disarray.
After scoring, Ikitau sat on the turf clutching his shoulder and while he played on for another 10 minutes, he succumbed to the injury.
Soon after departing the field, replaced by Carter Gordon, Ikitau was on the bench with his right arm in a sling and his face a picture of misery. Ikitau, who had played the past 13 Tests for Australia, was taken by private car to hospital for scans.
Eddie Jones said the injury looked serious and will be relieved that Ikitau should play some role at the France World Cup.
The loss was also an unsettling one for Jones, who went into the game with a 6-2 bench split – Gordon and Tate McDermott the only backs on the bench. On Thursday Jones was asked if a 6-2 was a risk.
“There’s an element of risk when you got five-three too. So I don’t understand the question,” Jones said.
Morgan Turinui, on Stan Sport, summed up the issue facing the Wallabies.
“How often do you see it? The one person you can’t lose when you’ve got a 9 and a 10 on the bench is your 13,” said Turinui.
Gordon moved into inside centre next to flyhalf Quade Cooper and was immediately into the fray – he picked up a loose ball and was cut down just short of the Argentina tryline by Lucio Cinti.
He was also involved in an awkward defensive moment with Cooper as the pair got in each other’s way and another issue was saved when Gordon bobbed up with the loose ball.
“What we saw after Len Ikitau left the field, Samu Kerevi, moving out to 13, no problem there in attack but we saw defensively two or three times the Argentinian attack have got around the edge of Samu Kerevi. That’s a challenge for the centre pairing.
Jones will have several options to mull over should he need to replace Ikitau. Izzy Perese could find himself back in contention, while Andrew Kellaway, expected back from injury in the next couple of weeks, Jordie Petaia and Reece Hodge are all options.
“It’s obviously a massive loss for us, but Carter’s done really well when he’s come on,” said Hodge at halftime.
“I think you’ll see Carter and Samu interchange between 12 and 13 in attack and defence. The boys are across their detail, so I’m sure they’ll be fine in the second half.”
cs
Roar Guru
Doesn't tell me much but I'll take your word, pending further and better particulars. In the meantime, I've moved into the Petaia camp.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Here he is scoring on the wing https://youtu.be/n_piNUswNk4
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Flook sometimes plays on the wing so no problem
Phil
Roar Rookie
I don’t think so at 13. But I was impressed with him earlier this season. His workrate massively improved. I can’t remember if he was wing or 15, I think wing? So he’d be in the running for backup back 3 for me.
Peter Ian Staker
Roar Rookie
Spelling was never my strong suit. Apologies for my crime. As to guts and tea leaves. In case you were not familiar with The Roar it's a website where sports fans offer opinions (educated or not). Go in peace.
cs
Roar Guru
Good post in my book. Sums it up well.
cs
Roar Guru
Maybe Patiai?
cs
Roar Guru
How well does Flook work with those outside him, where our strongest strike power hangs out?
cs
Roar Guru
I'm sure he wanted 6-2 while also giving CG another go at 10 in the second half, but of course it backfired (although not badly, given CG's pretty excellent game).
cs
Roar Guru
Indeed. The question was obviously whether he was taking more risk with a 6-2 bench. Dunno who should step into 13, but Hodge should join a 5-3 bench, IMHO.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Just winding you up Big A|!!!
Big A
Roar Rookie
sorry man – just to clarify – typo – meant guys – not gays – spellchecker must have auto corrected guys to read gays – typo
Rogue Estate
Roar Rookie
This is good - I never like seeing injuries deny players their dreams.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Careful Big A, this is an inclusive site, no invective about our rainbow coloured friends.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
'My gut says Jordan Pettai is ready for test rugby'. What about your tea leaves TH? By the way I believe it's Petaia.
Wig
Roar Rookie
Musso sangyong, no thrills super reliable, no faults or cruise control does the basics. Datsun and starlets were great cars to hang out in 40 years ago mate
Big A
Roar Rookie
mate i bet you drive a Datsun
Noodles
Roar Rookie
I'd imagine it is Kellaway for 13. Maybe Campbell at 15.
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Fix up Lenny and hopefully right for RWC. Yep if fit I would lean towards Petaia. He is rocks and diamonds however Wallas need a backup 13 and these next 3 games great audition for Petaia. If Lenny not quite ready at start of RWC and Jordy nails it they have a capable replacement. Lenny is quality and really is the glue of the backline, defensive leader and handy left boot. Don’t pick Kerevi at 13, just not nimble enough for mine and different ball game defensively.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Thank goodness Len it’s only 6-8 weeks as we don’t have a replacement at your level. Go with experience &/or big defender against Rieko & Co. Hodge played 13 this season and Ed already has him in the camp.