Nathan Sharpe out of French Test
July 03, 2008 - 6:30pm
Story by: ARU
Nathan Sharpehas been ruled out of Saturday night’s Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series Test between Australia and France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The 66-Test veteran suffered a groin strain when he stumbled during training today at Ballymore. He was examined by the Qantas Wallabies medical team tonight in Brisbane, where the decision was made to withdraw him from the match.
“It’s unfortunate but the injury is restricting Nathan, so the choice was made for us,” Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says.
“We gave it as much time as we could, to allow it to settle but, with the game just two days away, we had to make the call and move on.”
The Wallabies summoned Queensland Reds flanker Hugh McMeniman as cover from the Australia A squad in Sydney this afternoon.
He will now replace Sharpe in the match night squad of 22 for the weekend, with NSW Waratahs utility forward Dean Mumm promoted from the bench into the second row.
The 24-year-old Mumm, who can operate in either the second row or on the blindside flank, made his Test debut last month against Ireland.
His combination with Queenslander James Horwill means the Wallabies will boast a combined total of five Test caps in their second row for the second Test.
“The loss of Nathan obviously tests our depth, in terms of the Test experience our two locks have, but we’ve got total confidence in the guys who are there,” Deans says.
“They’ve done the work on the training paddock and competed well in their Test careers so far. There’s a great opportunity ahead for both of them!”
Twenty-four-year-old McMeniman joins the Qantas Wallabies after returning from injury during the Australia A program in the recent wins over Tonga and Fiji.
While not a member of the 30-man squad that was named for the first stage of the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series, McMeniman has appeared in 12 Tests for Australia since debuting against Samoa in 2005.
His most recent cap was earned against England at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
