Australia forced to reshuffle after Sharpe injury

By Julian Linden

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's preparations for Saturday's second test against France were turned upside down when giant lock Nathan Sharpe was ruled out after a bizarre training accident on Thursday.

Sharpe, who is the vice-captain of the side and the leader of the forward pack, strained his groin when he stumbled during a practice session, forcing new coach Robbie Deans into some hasty reshuffling for the clash in Brisbane.

Deans promoted Dean Mumm from the reserves to join James Horwill in the second row, while calling up Queensland flanker Hugh McMeniman, who was in Sydney with the Australia A side, to the bench.

Sharpe is the third Australian player to be ruled out of the match because of injury, joining wing Lote Tuqiri and number eight Wycliffe Palu, but Deans said he had plenty of faith in his backups.

"The loss of Nathan obviously tests our depth, in terms of the test experience our two locks have, but we've got total confidence in the guys who are there," Deans said.

Deans replaced Tuqiri with uncapped wing Lachlan Turner, who is regarded as one of the most talented young players in the country.

He also recalled Stephen Hoiles for Palu as well as giving flanker Phil Waugh and utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper a chance at the expense of George Smith and Cameron Shepherd.

The Australians are overwhelming favourites to complete a 2-0 series win after crushing a below-strength France 34-13 in Sydney last weekend.