Australia hold fire on replacements

Australia will wait 48 hours before deciding whether or not to call in replacements for their players who were injured in Friday's win over USA.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said on Saturday that six players were injured in the record 67-5 win over the Eagles in Pool C at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Inside centre Rob Horne's fractured cheekbone is the most serious concern.

"But it's only a minor displacement, to use a medical term. That's promising," Deans said.

"We will do some further investigation when we get to Christchurch and make a decision (on whether to seek any replacements) when we know more.

"We won't be making any decisions in the next, probably 48 hours. We'll make sure that we're fully aware and fully informed before we move." 

Of the other injuries, Deans said:

• Outside centre Anthony Faingaa was showing no ill effects after being knocked out in the final seconds of the match, but would be closely monitored.
• Reserve centre Pat McCabe suffered a partial dislocation of the shoulder and would need further investigation, although there was cause for optimism.
• Number 8 Wycliff Palu strained a hamstring and will need a scan to determine the extent of any damage.
• Full back Kurtley Beale was replaced as a precaution because of a tight hamstring.
• Wing Adam Ashley-Cooper "jammed" his ankle but was expected to be fit for the next match, against Russia on 1 October.

Despite having the end of the match delayed for several minutes while Faingaa was revived and carefully transferred from the field on a motorised stretcher, Deans said he had bounced back well.

"He has presented very well this morning. He can recall everything, including the moments leading up to the tackle, so that's a great sign.

"But it's not something that we mess around with, so we'll monitor him and just make sure he's fully recovered before he re-enters the fray."

Deans said any replacements would likely come from the 10 players left behind from the original squad of 40.

Asked if experienced Wallaby centre Matt Giteau could come into consideration, Deans said: "He's obviously in the frame for a potential call-up, absolutely. He was in the 40."

Deans said the "carnage" from the match showed there were no easy matches at Rugby World Cup 2011 because all teams were well prepared.

"People look at the scoreboard and suggest that some of these fixtures are supposedly easy, but you've only got to look at some of the carnage to recognise that that's just not the case.

"The conditioning of every side is good. There's no easy route to the tryline and even when you get to the tryline you take a few knocks along the way."

Australia now head to earthquake-hit Christchurch, where Deans said they would get involved in community events and fund-raising in the Canterbury region.