Wallabies decision on Kurtley Beale injury looms
Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:31p.m.
Wallaby Kurtley Beale (file pic)
Friday looms as decision day for Kurtley Beale as the Wallabies mull over playing their star fullback in Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Beale hasn't trained this week due to a hamstring injury and remains touch and go for the clash at Eden Park, with the team set to be named on Friday (1.30pm NZT).
Australia's coaching coordinator David Nucifora said on Thursday that Beale's hamstring was improving but the selectors were still unsure on his availability for the match.
"We don't have a totally clear idea just yet as to whether he is going to make it," said Nucifora.
"We'll look at him again tomorrow (morning) when we train.
"He wouldn't necessarily need to train fully on Friday to play on Sunday but we'll be having a closer look at how far he has progressed."
But in a sign that Beale is close to recovering sufficiently, Nucifora was confident he would be fit for the World Cup final a week later if the Wallabies beat the All Blacks.
Prop Sekope Kepu also hasn't trained this week due to an ankle injury but he has been given good reports by medical staff and is expected to be named in the front row.
Nucifora also said powerful inside centre Pat McCabe (shoulder) "looks good", in an indication that he will retain his position at No.12 and oppose in-form All Black Ma'a Nonu.
NZN