Wallabies eye Ikitau's return as Rugby Australia probes referee phone mishap

Len Ikitau, the John Eales medallist who scored two tries against the Springboks, suffered an ankle injury in Perth but early scans indicate it may not require the six-to-12-week recovery initially feared, leaving open the possibility of his selection for the Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park. The Wallabies also contend with the potential loss of centre Hunter Paisami, who was cited for a high tackle and will appear before the SANZAAR foul-play committee, risking a suspension that could keep him out of the match.

Coach Les Kiss must also manage the likely absence of Taniela Tupou, Tom Hooper and hamstring-troubled lock Josh Canham, meaning up to five key players could miss the opening game. Meanwhile, Rugby Australia confirmed it is probing the technical failure that forced referee Andrea Piardi to use a mobile phone to speak with television match official Matteo Liparini after 69 minutes, a situation that highlighted communication flaws ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The incident follows a similar communication breakdown in a recent Springboks-New Zealand test. Gravity Media, the long-time supplier of referee communications, is being consulted to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.