The Wallabies have suffered their first real Rugby World Cup blow as winger Digby Ioane has fractured his right thumb and will have an operation.
Scans have now confirmed that Ioane fractured his right thumb in Australia’s opening 32-6 win over Italy at North Harbour on Sunday.
Ioane’s thumb will be operated on and he will stay in New Zealand as he may recover in time to feature later in the tournament.
The injury occurred with around 20 minutes of play remaining when Ioane accidentally came into contact with the boot of his Italian counterpart, Mirco Bergamasco, as he attempted to cover a grubber kick in behind the Australian try-line, the team said.
“Ioane will be operated on and will remain with the Wallabies in New Zealand,” a team statement said.
“He is expected to be available to play again later in the tournament although the exact timelines on when he might be able to return will not be known until after the joint has been operated on, and his rehabilitation from the injury has begun.”
Ioane has been one of the Wallabies’ form players this year and has scored four tries in six internationals this season.
While he has been a Wallaby since 2007 Ioane’s international career has been punctuated by injuries
A bit of bad luck for Digby. Does he need his thumb? May be it would be better to just cut the thing off, so he can get back on the field? That is how much his absence will affect the Wallabies’ performance and how vital he is to our WC chances.
I jest, but Ioane is crucial to the Wallabies. Apart from his slick running, the fact that he covers for Quade Cooper in the defensive line is the big loss. Bringing back Drew Mitchell for Ioane won’t cover the loss to our defence, and Anthony Faingaa doesn’t bring anywhere near the same attacking prowess. So, this is a tremendous loss.
Hurry back Digby, we are going to miss your contribution!!!