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MONTPELLIER - Wallabies utility back Scott Staniforth has breathed a huge sigh of relief after a good injury report in southern France.
Staniforth has been cleared to continue in the tournament after initially fearing the worst in injuring his right shoulder in the 55-12 win over Fiji.
The
three-quarter received close to the best possible news after having scans in Montpellier and may even play against Canada in Bordeaux on Sunday.
An MRI scan showed bone and muscle bruising and swelling in the joint.
The swelling is expected to subside over the next 48 hours, enabling him to resume training later in the week.
"It's a big relief," Staniforth said. "Coming off, I thought it might be my campaign over.
"I might even be right for this week so it's all good.
"I'd definitely love to be out there."
Coming off the bench in the second half at Stade de la Mosson, Staniforth's injury occurred with his first touch of the ball in a botched move with fellow centre Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Ashley-Cooper smashed into Staniforth's shoulder with his knee when being tackled by Fiji centre Seru Rabeni.
He stayed down for several minutes and received treatment from team doctor Martin Raftery before rejoining the defensive line.
"When I got back into the line I made another tackle and I just thought, 'No'. I think Chris Latham said: 'Mate, the game's over, there's no need for heroes today."'
With the top-line Wallabies to be rested before their October 7 quarter-final, it was intended that Staniforth should start at second five-eighths against Canada.
But his problem may prompt a backline reshuffle of Australia's second-string side, with fullback Latham's understudy Julian Huxley an option at No 12.
The injury report will also come as a big relief to the Australian selectors because Staniforth is important to the balance of Australia's bench. The Western Force utility is the primary No 12 backup to Matt Giteau, and his ability to cover on the wing had him in the Wallabies top 22.
Former vice-captain Morgan Turinui and Western Force centre Ryan Cross were at the top of the list of possible replacements but will now stay in Australia.
In further injury news, rookie playmaker Berrick Barnes will be rested from training to recover from a corked thigh.
"He'll be named on the weekend but he might not be able to train until Friday," coach John Connolly said.
Reserve halfback Sam Cordingley has been cleared to train after hurting his knee when colliding with Fiji captain Mosese Rauluni's head.
- AAP
