Drew Mitchell sidesteps World Cup citing
The Wallabies have dodged a bullet with winger Drew Mitchell escaping further punishment for a spear tackle in the weekend's Rugby World Cup win over Wales.
No citings came out of Australia's 32-20 crunch Millennium Stadium triumph, but Wallabies management were holding their breath right until the 48 hour post-match window expired (at 0100 AEST on Tuesday).
Coach John Connolly had admitted to post-match concerns after Mitchell was sin-binned for his reckless dumping of Welsh hooker Matthew Rees in the second half.
The International Rugby Board's citing commissioners have been taking a strict view on foul play and there was a feeling the blazing winger could be in trouble.
Hooker Stephen Moore also escaped any sanction after taking out Welsh winger Shane Williams late in a clumsy tackle over the sideline.
Mitchell's availability for Sunday's third pool B match against Fiji in Montpellier was crucial as the Wallabies may be without three injured backs.
Stephen Larkham (knee) and Stirling Mortlock (shoulder) will miss the match while Adam Ashley-Cooper is in doubt with a foot problem.
Although this clash originally appeared to be earmarked for the Wallabies subs to start, the selectors are looking to secure top place in pool B with their strongest side available.
Mortlock's injury should see veteran halfback George Gregan made skipper to equal England's Will Carling's record of 59 for the most number of Tests as captain.
But it will throw up a quandary as who to select at outside centre if Ashley-Cooper is unfit with Lote Tuqiri, Julian Huxley and Scott Staniforth all options.
"If push comes to shove (Mortlock) could probably even play next weekend," Connolly said. "But the situation we're in he may well have one or two weeks off and hopefully focus on a quarter-final.
"Adam, we hope, will be OK, but we won't know that until Tuesday or Wednesday.
"Hopefully he'll be OK for selection, which is important for the balance of our side."
Moore is also in doubt with a lower leg injury.
Now the September 29 match against Canada in Bordeaux looms as the game the Wallabies reserves will have a chance to shine from kick-off.
A win against the Fijians, who will play their second-string side to save their best for a "sudden-death" clash with Wales, will ensure an easier quarter-final, probably against England.
Although Connolly had half-joked England - thumped 36-0 by South Africa - were no certainties to get past Samoa and Tonga, he denied they were pushovers.
"I don't think England are weak," he said.
"They've got the scrum, they've got the line-out, they get (Jonny) Wilkinson back, a couple of players back from injury, they've got the ability to play very well and they've shown that."
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