Rugby: Larkham could make early return

MONPELLIER - Stephen Larkham could make a surprise reappearance in the Wallabies final rugby World Cup pool match against Canada on Sunday (1am, NZ time).

Larkham underwent minor knee surgery just a week ago but coach John Connolly is planning to use the 102-test five-eighth off the bench against the Canucks in Bordeaux.

The 33-year-old will resume running in Montpellier tomorrow after being a spectator at Stade de la Mosson where Australia scored an unpalatable 55-12 win over Fiji.

Ultimately the decision whether to rush Larkham straight back in will rest with him and Wallabies medico Dr Martin Raftery.

"We're hoping that Stephen may play some part in that game," Connolly said.

The seven-tries-to-two victory secured top spot in pool B and put them into a quarterfinal in Marseille on October 6, probably against off-colour defending champions England.

Rookie playmaker Berrick Barnes had a solid game in his second start in the No 10 jersey but was unable to reproduce the heroics of last weekend's 32-20 win over Wales.

Barnes slotted a 32-metre dropped goal just after halftime to stretch the Wallabies lead to 28-5.

His tactical kicking was a feature but he marked himself down on his passing game as the Wallabies often went sideways before forward.

- AAP