Wallabies hamstrung for All Black Test
Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:36
The price of scoring a try: Drew Mitchell. (c) Getty
Australia suffered a cruel blow in the build-up to their final Tri-Nations Test, against New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.
Wing Drew Mitchell has paid a dear price for his try-scoring exploits in his 50th Test at Bloemfontein last weekend, with the Wallaby flyer ruled out of the showdown with the Kiwis.
Mitchell suffered a hamstring strain as he scored Australia's last try against the Springboks in a match they won 41-39 - with the injury-time Kurtley Beale penalty sealing the deal for the Australians.
Mitchell's hopping action after he touched down was misinterpreted as a post-try celebration, before it became clear he had sustained a leg injury.
A try-scorer in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Melbourne in July, Mitchell was later sent off early in the second half of that match after committing two yellow card offences.
Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has several options to pick from, although none boast Mitchell's experience or recent form.
Reds wing Peter Hynes may have the inside running, after missing the two-week tour of South Africa with a knee injury.
Waratahs flyer Lachie Turner is the other leading candidate, while Western Force wing Nick Cummins and Brumbies rookie Pat McCabe are also in the squad.
Western Force utility Cameron Shepherd could also come into consideration, as he has recovered from a groin injury.
Deans will name his side for the third match of the Bledisloe Cup series on Thursday - the same day the All Blacks team will be confirmed.