Australia's Ioane to have surgery on broken thumb

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Powerful winger Digby Ioane is expected to play again at the World Cup despite a medical scan revealing he needs surgery after breaking his thumb in Australia's opening victory against Italy.

Ioane's right hand was accidentally kicked by Italy winger Mirco Bergamasco as he tried to pick up a loose ball in the second half of Australia's 32-6 win at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday.

He scored the last of Australia's four second-half tries and played out the remaining 20 minutes of the Pool C match after the incident.

"As Ioane tried to scoop up the ball, his thumb was struck by the boot of Bergamasco, who was attempting to toe the ball further down-field," the Australian Rugby Union said in a statement Monday. "Ioane will be operated on and will remain with the Wallabies in New Zealand.

"He is expected to be available to play again later in the tournament, although the exact timelines on when he might be able to return will not be known until after the joint has been operated on and his rehabilitation from the injury has begun."

Australia plays Ireland on Saturday and the United States on Sept. 23 before wrapping up pool play against Russia on Oct. 1.

The injury is a major blow to the Wallabies as the 26-year-old Ioane has been one of their standout players this season. He has scored nine tries in 17 tests, and was an integral member of the Queensland Reds team that won the Super 15 title in July.

James O'Connor's dynamic performance as a second-half substitute against Italy appears certain to earn him a recall to the starting team, but Ioane's injury means coach Robbie Deans may not need to decide between Adam Ashley-Cooper or Anthony Fainga'a to accommodate the winger.