Staniforth recovering, may play Canada
Wallabies utility back Scott Staniforth has breathed a huge sigh of relief after a good injury report in southern France.
Staniforth has been cleared to continue at the Rugby World Cup after initially fearing the worst on injuring his right shoulder in the 55-12 win over Fiji on Monday.
The three-quarter received close to the best possible news after undergoing scans in Montpellier and may even play against Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday.
An MRI scan showed bone bruising, bruising to the muscle and swelling in the joint capsule.
The swelling is expected to subside over the next 48 hours to allow him to resume training later in the week.
"It's a big relief," Staniforth said. "Coming off yesterday I thought it might be my campaign over.
"I might even be right for this week so it's all good.
"I'd definitely love to be out there."
Coming off the bench in the second half at Stade de la Mosson, Staniforth's injury occurred with his first touch of the ball due to a botched move with fellow centre Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Ashley-Cooper smashed into Staniforth's shoulder with his knee as Fijian centre Seru Rabeni tackled him.
He stayed down for several minutes and received treatment from team doctor Martin Raftery before rejoining the defensive line.
"When I got back into the line I made another tackle and I just thought no. I think Chris Latham said 'Mate the game's over, there's no need for heroes today'," he said.
With the top-line Wallabies to be rested before their October 6 quarterfinal, Staniforth had been slated to start at inside centre against Canada.
But his problem may well prompt a backline reshuffle of Australia's second-string side with fullback Latham's understudy Julian Huxley an option at No.12.
The injury report is also a big relief to the Australian selectors as Staniforth is important to the balance of Australia's bench.
The Western Force utility is the primary No.12 back-up to Matt Giteau while his ability to cover wing had him in the Wallabies top 22.
Former vice-captain Morgan Turinui and Western Force centre Ryan Cross were at the top of the list of potential replacements but will now remain in Australia.
In further injury news, rookie playmaker Berrick Barnes will be rested from training to recover from a corked thigh.
"He'll be named on the weekend but he might not be able to train until Friday," said coach John Connolly.
Reserve halfback Sam Cordingley (knee) has been cleared to train after colliding with Fiji captain Mosese Rauluni's head.
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