Larkham hopes for quick return

SYDNEY - Injured Stephen Larkham is optimistic he will miss just the Wallabies' opening test of the year against Ireland, but medical opinion suggests the first five-eighths will have to sit out all of Australia's matches leading up to the Tri-Nations.

Larkham damaged his left elbow in the Brumbies' 28-21 loss to the Crusaders in Canberra. Scans revealed he fractured the radial head of his elbow, ensuring his arm will be in a cast for at least a month and ruling him out of the test against Ireland in Perth on June 7.

The Wallabies then face Wales and England on successive weekends before they head into camp for their opening Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Cape Town on July 12.

"I really hoped to be back in four weeks, but now I'll be in a cast for that long so hopefully I'll be back in six," Larkham said yesterday.

His latest injury has opened the door for Brumbies team-mate Matt Giteau to possibly play at first-five in Australia's early tests.

Giteau has starred in the Brumbies midfield in his debut season, but his relatively small stature - he weighs just 82kg - is more suited to first five-eighths.

Queensland's Elton Flatley, capped 21 times by the Wallabies, is another alternative for the selectors.

- NZPA