Wallabies suffer setback as star playmaker ruled out of Fiji clash

Australia suffered a blow ahead of their next Rugby World Cup match against Fiji after it was confirmed that star scrum-half Tate McDermott has been ruled out due to a head knock.

The playmaker was forced off the field in their tournament opener against Georgia just before half-time due to concussion after coming off second best while trying to tackle Lelos number eight Beka Gorgadze.

Knocked out momentarily

The Wallaby appeared to be momentarily knocked out after his head collided with Gorgadze’s knee and after receiving medical attention he was replaced by Nic White in the 37th minute.

Despite McDermott’s departure, the Wallabies impressed and sealed a 35-15 victory at the Stade de France in Paris.

He was seen with the rest of the team out on the field after the match but his head knock is rated as a grade one concussion.

“Tate’s up walking around, he’ll do all the medical protocols,” Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said after the win over Georgia.

Under protocols, McDermott will have to stand down for 12 days which means he will miss their next Pool C match against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday, September 17.

The Wallabies’ vice-captain could return to action against Wales in Lyon on Sunday, September 24.

Meanwhile, star inside centre Samu Kerevi was taken off at half-time but Jones said that was planned, given the number of injuries he sustained of late, including ACL and hand issues.

“Samu we always planned to play 40… we wanted to give him a hit-out,” explained Jones.

“He hasn’t played since Dunedin so we needed to give him some time but he’s come back from from a number of number of injuries so the plan was to get him ready for Fiji next week.

An important game

“It’s obviously for him and for us an important game.

“Playing against your mother country is pretty special, so we want to give him the best opportunity to be ready.”

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