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August 25, 2009 – 12:40PM

The Wallabies have been dealt a major blow ahead of Saturday night’s Tri Nations match against South Africa, with lock Nathan Sharpe (shoulder) and inside centre Berrick Barnes (neck/concussion) both ruled out of the clash.

But Wallabies officials are hopeful fullback James O’Connor (cork) and flanker Rocky Elsom (ankle) will pass fit to take on the Springboks.

The Wallabies have postponed naming their side from today until Thursday in order to give the pair more time to prove their fitness.

Sharpe and Barnes suffered their injuries in last Saturday’s 19-18 loss to New Zealand in Sydney.

The Wallabies have lost their opening three games of the Tri Nations series and must win their final three games and rely on other results going their way to have any chance of snaring the title.

Sharpe’s injury opens the door for Dean Mumm to return to the run-on side, while Mark Chisolm could be called up to the bench.

Chisolm dislocated his wrist during the recent Super 14 season but has since proved his fitness with several games of club rugby with Randwick.

Playmakers Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale will fight it out to replace Barnes.

AAP

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