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Fears Jordan Petaia will be ruled out while Taniela Tupou facing HIA protocols
By AAP
The extent of Jordan Petaia’s latest injury setback will be clearer after scans are completed ahead of Saturday’s Test against England.
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The squad arrived in London late on Monday night, with Petaia set to have scans on his hamstring on Tuesday.
The ultra-talented back looked to be returning to his confident best after a three-year period marred by injuries.
He cut a dejected figure as he limped off just shy of halftime in the weekend’s tight loss to Scotland.
It’s feared the 21-year-old will be ruled out of the tour, which includes Tests against England and Wales, while he had also been earmarked to play fullback for the Barbarians against Samoa before flying home.
The winger would join Tom Banks and Reece Hodge on the sideline, while fellow Queensland Reds flyer Suliasi Vunivalu’s first season since switching from the NRL has also been thwarted by constant hamstring dramas.
Filipo Daugunu could get his chance in Petaia’s absence, the fellow Reds back out since breaking his arm inside the first two minutes against France in July.
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Taniela Tupou could still feature despite the six-day turnaround which gives him enough time to pass World Rugby’s Head Injury Assessment protocols.
The game-breaking prop was jolted by a headclash in the defeat to Scotland and would be a massive loss in the Wallabies’ first clash with England since their comprehensive World Cup quarter-final exit in 2019.
Daugunu will add speed to the wallaby backline and Dave will miss Koroibete even more....should have also called out Taqele Naiyaravoro who has been in top form