Fears for Wallabies prop

LUCKLESS Wallabies prop Tom Robertson could be an early casualty for next year’s World Cup after suffering a freak injury while training in Argentina.

Robertson was not picked for this weekend’s Test against the Pumas but was doing some opposing work at the team’s last training session in Buenos Aires before they flew to Salta for the Test.

Without warning, his right knee suddenly gave way and he collapsed on to the pitch. He was helped off the ground and given immediate treatment but was in significant pain and coach Michael Chei- ka fears the worst. “I’d say he’s done a significant knee injury,” Cheika said.

“I won’t pre- empt scans or anything like that but it’s not looking ideal. It was a very innocuous event, no contact, nothing, so it looks significant.”

Robertson still joined his teammates for the two- hour flight to Salta, sitting in the front row of the plane with his knee heavily bandaged and with crutches to help him get off, and will return home with the rest of the squad as scheduled.

“There’s no point sending him home yet,” Cheika said. “He’ll stay with us for the trip and then when he gets home, he’ll get the scans he needs.

“And I imagine the operation he’ll need after that.”

If the damage to Robertson’s knee is serious enough to require major surgery, he could be in danger of missing the World Cup, which starts in less than 12 months.

The Wallabies have had rotten luck with injuries at training this year with Israel Folau, David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Taniela Tupou all missing matches after breaking down at practice.

“THERE’S NO POINT SENDING HIM HOME YET” MICHAEL CHEIKA