Monday 15 September 2014 07:45, UK
Australia back-row Wycliff Palu will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship because of continuing concussion concerns.
Palu missed the Wallabies' 32-25 win over Argentina on the Gold Coast last weekend after sustaining a head knock in the previous week's 24-23 win over South Africa in Perth.
The team's medical staff has advised that, because of Palu's injury history, the 32-year-old should take an extended break.
An Australian team spokesman said the 53-Test veteran would have to prove his recovery under concussion protocols before being reconsidered for selection.
Coach Ewen McKenzie will name his squad on Wednesday for clashes with South Africa on September 28 and Argentina on October 5.
McKenzie will also have to do without hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, who could also miss their autumn trip to Europe with an ankle injury that could need surgery - he was hurt in the win over the Pumas.
"I'm frustrated for him," McKenzie said. "You'd love him to have a clear run and just play football. He did a great job coming off no football for a while, that's why we put him in there. He was equipped to handle it and he has the experience and he made a big difference."
The Wallabies will have winger Adam Ashley-Cooper back from his neck injury for the two-week tour to South Africa and Argentina, a timely return with Henry Speight out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Peter Betham again struggling after aggravating his fractured toe.
"The winger-hooker curse continues," McKenzie added. "We get them back and then they disappear again."
