25 Aug 2009

Wallabies injury list delays team naming

6:51 pm on 25 August 2009

A mounting injury toll has forced the Australian rugby team to delay naming their team for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash against South Africa in Perth.

The Wallabies have had to postpone the team announcment until Thursday due to the heavy casualty list from last weekend's 19-18 loss to New Zealand in Sydney.

Teenage fullback James O'Connor and centre Berrick Barnes are both in doubt for this week's match against the world champions.

There are also concerns about lock Nathan Sharpe, and blindside flanker Rocky Elsom.

The selectors are also expected to make changes after losing all three Tri-Nations matches this season, with prop Al Baxter and scrumhalf Luke Burgess both in danger.