Len Ikitau suffered fractured scapula during Argentina Test

Sun, Jul 16, 2023, 1:11 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Len Ikitau has gone off early with a suspected shoulder injury. Photo: Getty Images

The Wallabies have suffered a major blow with centre Len Ikitau suffering a fractured scapula during the defeat to Argentina.

Wallabies officials confirmed he will miss the next 6-8 weeks, leaving the centre racing the clock to be fit for the World Cup.

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"We're disappointed Lenny's injured," coach Eddie Jones said after the match.

"He'll have all the scans that need to be had but certainly didn't look like a good sort of an injury. But we'll we'll wait and see."

The incident happened in the opening minutes of the 34-31 defeat as the Wallabies started fast.

A break by Mark Nawaqanitwase opened space for the backline to attack, with Ikitau put through a hole by centre partner Samu Kerevi.

Ikitau would burrow his way over the line, however, damaged his shoulder in the process as he collided with Emiliano Boffelli.

Whilst the Brumby was left in agony by the play, he continued on before eventually departing in the 17th minute.

Wallabies officials confirmed Ikitau headed for scans midway through the game to determine the severity.

Waratah Izaia Perese looms as the key contender to replace Ikitau as the Wallabies look for a new outside centre for the first time in 13 Tests.

He will likely battle Waratahs teammate Lalakai Foketi and Reece Hodge for the position, with Reds enforcer Hunter Paisami also an option to come into the squad for the two-Test Bledisloe series.

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