http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8351396
Deans waiting on RWC medical update
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans won't call Australia for reinforcements for at least 48 hours following Friday night's brutal Rugby World Cup win over the USA.
Deans and his medical team will sift through the carnage before deciding whether or not to send players home, with centres Rob Horne and Pat McCabe the two in most danger of missing the rest of the tournament.
Horne fractured a cheekbone while his replacement McCabe dislocated a shoulder in the costly 67-5 rout of the American second stringers in Wellington.
While Horne's campaign seems over, Deans on Saturday was reluctant to rule out the luckless youngster before a thorough medical examination over the next two days.
"Obviously there was a consequence from the game last night," Deans said.
"But at first glance it doesn't look as grave possibly. It's only a minor displacement, to use the medical term.
"We'll do some further investigation when we get to Christchurch and make a decision with him.
"We'll need to know more before we know how to handle him going forward."
Likewise, the Wallabies will further monitor McCabe, fellow centre Anthony Fainga'a, who was knocked out but "presented well this morning", and back-rower Wycliff Palu, who requires an MRI scan after straining his hamstring.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper, whose fastest ever hat-trick between the 59th and 66th minutes was the highlight of Australia's 11-try rout, jammed his ankle and is also in doubt for next Saturday's final pool clash with Russia.
While maintaining a brave front, Deans conceded it would be a devastating blow for Horne if the 22-year-old had to be sent home.
The classy midfielder sat out the entire Tri Nations series with an elbow injury after being dogged by chronic hamstring troubles for the previous two seasons.
"He's been hugely unlucky," Deans said.
"He's in great shape (fitness wise) so if this does rule him out it will be a bitter pill for him to swallow.
"But I guess the plus is that it's not a hamstring, which is what his historical challenges have been. He's put that behind him and he's in great shape.
"Whether he plays any more rugby in this tournament or not, there's no doubt he's got a big future."
Deans said any potential replacements would almost certainly come from the shadow players who missed original selection after being involved in the preliminary 40-man squad picked for the Winter Tests.
He said 92-Test veteran Matt Giteau was among those "in the frame".
