Independent doctor to rule on concussed Beale's fitness for Wallabies RWC quarterfinal clash

An independent doctor from the World Rugby will inform the Wallabies sometimes next week whether Kurtley Beale will be available for Australia's quarter-final after the star fullback was concussed in Friday's 27-8 victory over Georgia.

The Wallabies say Beale was in high spirits yesterday morning after being whacked at the bottom of a ruck early in the first half against Georgia. He left the field and did not return.

Beale will undergo normal return-to-play protocols but as per Rugby World Cup rules, an independent doctor will come into the Wallabies camp later in the week and assess the 30-year-old's condition alongside an Australian team doctor.

If both doctors are not determined that Beale can play this week, Dane Haylett-Petty is likely to be his replacement at fullback.

The Wallabies are expected to face England in the quarterfinals next Saturday.

Meanwhile, World Rugby has cancelled the first of four scheduled Rugby World Cup games today between Canada and Namibia in Kamaishi due to Typhoon Hagibis.

World Rugby remains optimistic that other matches today will go on.

In today's match, USA will take on Tonga at 5.45pm, Wales will face Uruguay at 8.15pm while Japan will play Scotland at 10.45pm.

[Source:stuff.co.nz]

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