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McMeniman in for injured Sharpe

03rd July 2008 06:48

Nathan Sharpe is in doubt for 2nd test

Clapped out: Sharpe is feeling the strain on his groin

Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe has been ruled out of Saturday's Test between Australia and France in Brisbane with a groin strain and has been replaced in the squad by Reds flanker Hugh McMeniman.

The 66-Test veteran sustained the injury when he stumbled during training on Thursday at Ballymore. He was examined by the Wallabies medical team in Brisbane, where the decision was made to withdraw him from the match.

"It's unfortunate but the injury is restricting Nathan, so the choice was made for us," said Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

"We gave it as much time as we could, to allow it to settle but, with the game just two days away, we had to make the call and move on."

The Wallabies summoned Queensland Reds flanker Hugh McMeniman as cover from the Australia A squad in Sydney.

He will now replace Sharpe in the match night squad of 22 for the weekend, with Waratahs utility forward Dean Mumm promoted from the bench into the second row.

The 24-year-old Mumm, who can operate in either the second row or on the blindside flank, made his Test debut last month against Ireland.

His combination with Queenslander James Horwill means the Wallabies will boast a combined total of five Test caps in their second row for the second Test.

"The loss of Nathan obviously tests our depth, in terms of the Test experience our two locks have, but we've got total confidence in the guys who are there," said Deans.

"They've done the work on the training paddock and competed well in their Test careers so far. There's a great opportunity ahead for both of them!"

Twenty-four-year-old McMeniman joins the Wallabies after returning from injury during the Australia A program in the recent wins over Tonga and Fiji.

While not a member of the 30-man squad that was named for the first stage of the June Tests, McMeniman has appeared in 12 Tests for Australia since debuting against Samoa in 2005.

His most recent cap was earned against England at last year's Rugby World Cup.

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