Wallabies dealt another back-row blow

The Wallabies have suffered another blow to their back row, losing Pete Samu for the next month after he hyper-extended his knee last weekend.

Samu is expected to be left out of the Wallabies squad for games against South Africa and Argentina, leaving Michael Cheika with a tough hole to fill.

Lukhan Tui may also be absent. It is unclear when the 22-year-old will next play for the Wallabies after declaring a desire to spend time with family following a post-match altercation in the stands.

Samu had scans on his knee in Canberra this week and it is hoped he will return in time for Australia’s third Bledisloe Cup Test.

Without Samu and Tui, Cheika faces a forward-pack reshuffle. David Pocock and Michael Hooper are both expected to be fit, while Ned Hanigan and Caleb Timu shape as the next men up.

It’s possible that Samu could make his return playing for the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship before the third Bledisloe Test on October 27.

Wallabies midfielder Tevita Kuridrani is also hoping to recover from a torn pectoral fast enough to take part in the End of Year tour.

Injuries to Kuridrani and young Reds star Samu Kerevi left Australia without two of their starting midfielders, but both could return for the final Bledisloe Test.

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