Rugby: Larkham in doubt for Wales clash

Australian first-five Stephen Larkham injured his knee at training. Photo / Reuters

CARDIFF - Wallabies playmaker Stephen Larkham is in serious doubt for Sunday's crunch clash with Wales in a major blow to Australia's World Cup hopes.

Larkham strained his knee while kicking at the end of the team's final training run ahead of the important Millennium Stadium match.

The 102-Test veteran was sent to hospital for scans after the captain's run at the Welsh Institute of Sport but he looks unlikely to play against the Welsh.

The blow may thrust one-Test rookie Berrick Barnes into the starting side and also have massive ramifications for the Wallabies campaign in the tournament.

- AAP