Australia’s World Cup prospects are close to suffering a huge blow with flying fullback Kurtley Beale in huge doubt for the semifinal against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
The loss of the fullback may not bring all of Australia to its knees, yet his absence would rival that of the All Blacks losing Dan Carter, so pivotal is Beale to their hopes.
Australia has a few options should Beale be out, the most likely being that Robbie Deans will shift 61-test utility Adam Ashley-Cooper from centre to fullback with Anthony Fainga’a starting in the No13 jersey.
Deans names his team on Friday.
On Saturday night at 8, France meets Wales and at 8pm on Sunday All Blacks meet the Wallabies.
A live commentary of both matches can be heard on our sister station Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Selina Navuso
Beale still in doubt for semifinal clash
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement