Robbie Deans praised Australia's progress in their 67-5 win over the USA, but also had injury worries to think about.
Wallabies boss praises improvement but injury worries mount
Australia head coach Robbie Deans was happy with the progress made in the 67-5 win over the United States on Friday, but there was also cause for concern as the Wallabies' injury toll mounted in Wellington.
Still reeling from the 15-6 loss to Ireland in Auckland, the Wallabies were intent on making a statement and crossed for 11 tries at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
Centre Robert Horne, the scorer of the first try of the night, was the major injury concern after suffering a fractured cheekbone and he may yet have to be replaced in the 30-man squad.
Deans said: "The full extent we don't know. We'll see what the medics say first before we make that sort of decision.
"We've got an eight-day turnaround now (before the October 1 match with Russia). He'll require some attention and we'll wait until we make any decision.
"If this does rule him out it will be a bitter pill to swallow."
Injuries
Pat McCabe suffered a dislocated shoulder, Wycliff Palu had a hamstring complaint, Anthony Faingaa was taken off on a stretcher at the end and will now undergo concussion management, while Kurtley Beale's first-half withdrawal was precautionary.
Flankers Scott Higginbotham and David Pocock (both back), wing James O'Connor (hamstring) and Digby Ioane (fractured thumb) were already absent and the fresh injuries are a concern for Australia.
The number of casualties and the severity of the injuries marred what was otherwise a comfortable win for the Wallabies.
Deans added: "We were pleased. It wasn't perfect but there were elements in our game which we made good progress on.
"They maintained their momentum and approached the game with a slightly better mentality, with a bit more discipline in their decisions."
USA frustrated
USA head coach
Eddie O'Sullivan expected Australia to flex their muscles, but was frustrated by the margin of the Wallabies' victory.
O'Sullivan said: "I was disappointed to lose the game but there were no real shocks.
"Australia had something to prove tonight as well, so they didn't let up on us at any stage. I thought the scoreline was a little bit harsh - we played some good rugby at times.
"I thought the guys battled on as long as they could. In the second half Australia upped the ante.
"If we turned it over at any stage we were heavily punished for that."
