Wallaby lock and key lineout jumper Rob Simmons was Monday ruled out of the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks with a wrist injury that will need surgery.
The 52-Test veteran will miss Saturday’s match in Sydney as well as the Bledisloe Cup showdown against New Zealand in Auckland a week later.
But he is expected to make a full recovery from the scaphoid surgery before Australia take on the USA in Chicago next month in the lead-up to the September-October World Cup.
“Obviously we’re all disappointed to lose Rob,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. “However, we’re confident he will make a full recovery ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve been able to build some real depth in the lock position, and Rob’s injury presents an opportunity for another player in the squad to stake their claim,” he added.
Former skipper James Horwill looks the most likely replacement in the starting team as no other player has been called into the squad for Saturday’s game.