Wallabies 'devastated' as Gordon ruled out with fresh injury
After a starring performance in the No.10 jersey against Ireland, Carter Gordon has copped another injury blow, with a calf strain ruling him out for the Wallabies′ next two games.
The injury was confirmed by Rugby Australia on Tuesday afternoon, forcing a reshuffle just as the Wallabies looked to have found a promising new halves combination.
Carter Gordon will miss the Wallabies’ next two Tests. Getty Images
Gordon left the field with what was initially thought to be cramp on Saturday night, with a tight calf ending his night after a starring performance that had the Wallabies on course for an upset victory. Ireland would ultimately hang on for a tense 33-31 victory.
The 25-year-old’s calf strain, confirmed by a scan, rules him out of Saturday’s clash with heavyweight opponents France, then the following weekend’s game against Italy.
Ben Donaldson, who came off the bench against Ireland, is the most likely candidate to replace Gordon in the crucial playmaking role.
“Devastated for him,” Wallabies back-rower Fraser McReight told media after the news filtered through.
“Injuries are a part of rugby and we’ve always said next man up. We’ve got Donno and Dec who had a great Super [Rugby] season and they’re pushing their case. We’ve still got some continuity there.”
Back-rower Tom Hooper has also been ruled out of the France clash with a shoulder injury after he came off the bench for the Wallabies against Ireland.
Young Queensland Reds fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been called into Wallabies camp to help prepare the squad for Saturday’s match at Suncorp Stadium, Rugby Australia confirmed.
