Australia’s Wallabies have been left with a long injury list after their Rugby World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand, with at least four players unavailable for Friday’s third-place playoff against Wales.
Lock Dan Vickerman has shoulder and leg injuries and a broken nose, hooker Stephen Moore has a bruised sternum, prop Sekope Kepu has an eye injury and center Pat McCabe a damaged shoulder.
The Wallabies were still “working through” a hamstring injury sustained by fullback Kurtley Beale which caused him to miss Sunday’s semifinal.
It is unclear whether Beale would be fit to play.
Australia coach Robbie Deans will announce his team Wednesday, with Vickerman’s absence creating the chance for veteran lock Nathan Sharpe to be recalled to take part in his 100th test either in the starting lineup or from the reserves bench.