Struggling Wallabies rocked by double injury blow

AUSTRALIA’S hopes of climbing back into Tri Nations contention have been dealt a crushing blow with second-rower Nathan Sharpe and classy centre Berrick Barnes ruled out of Saturday night’s Test against South Africa in Perth.

Sharpe has failed to overcome a shoulder injury sustained in the loss to New Zealand last Saturday, while Barnes is still suffering concussion after taking a heavy knock in the one-point loss.

Bottom of the Tri Nations table after three losses, the Wallabies’ odds of upsetting the Springboks have lengthened considerably following the loss of two key players.