PERTH, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Australia’s captain’s curse struck
again on Saturday when Will Genia became the third holder of the
post to be injured this season when he hurt his knee in the
26-19 win over South Africa.
The inspirational halfback came off the field 10 minutes
from the end of the match in Perth, which gave Australia their
first victory in the inaugural Rugby Championship after they
opened their campaign with successive defeats to New Zealand.
Genia will be keen to avoid joining his predecessors, lock
James Horwill (hamstring) and openside flanker David Pocock
(knee), in being ruled out of the competition because of injury.
“I took a high ball and twisted and heard a few cracks,”
Genia, on crutches with ice on the injured joint, said in a
pitchside interview at the Subiaco Oval.
“It’s actually quite sore so I’ll have some scans and see
what comes of it.”
Australia coach Robbie Deans had come under huge pressure
after the losses to the All Blacks, particularly the 22-0 defeat
at Eden Park two weeks ago which saw the Wallabies shutout for
the first time in 50 years against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Deans was happy with the scrappy victory, which ensured
Australia would remain the number two ranked team in the world
ahead of South Africa and behind New Zealand.
“I’m very proud of what they’ve done, it was a significant
win,” Deans said.
Continued…
