KEY POINTS:
BORDEAUX - Wallabies number eight David Lyons is out of the World Cup with a broken leg, team officials said here today.
X-rays confirmed that Lyons fractured his fibula in falling awkwardly in a tackle during the second half of Australia's 37-6 Pool B win over Canada at Bordeaux's Stade Chaban-Delmas.
The Wallabies will likely call for a replacement in the next day or so and are assessing their options.
ACT Brumbies back-rower Jone Tawake is one likely to considered along with Queensland Reds lock James Horwill and veteran Matt Cockbain, who were on stand-by for Lyons and Wycliffe Palu, when they were in doubt with injuries before the tournament.
It was Lyons' first Test match since coming off the bench against South Africa in Sydney on July 7.
He was ruled out of the Tri-Nations decider against the All Blacks with a blood clot and has been on blood-thinning medication.
Lyons, who must give himself three injections daily, came off the medication for Sunday's match.
"He was playing very well," coach John Connolly said. "He was playing very forcefully."
Lyons, who was a member of the Australian side that lost to England in the 2003 final, hobbled off to be replaced by Stephen Hoiles six minutes into the second half of the match.
Lyons has 43 caps for his country and has scored four tries.
- AFP
