Rugby Union: Australia problems mount

Australia's injury problems ahead of the series against the British & Irish Lions have mounted with the loss of Scott Higginbotham to a shoulder problem.

Back-row forward Higginbotham requires major reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder and is unlikely to return to action until the start of next season. Higginbotham's absence adds to a worrying list of absentees for Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans, who is already without flankers David Pocock and George Smith, hooker Tataful Polota-Nau and lock Sitaleki Timani for the clashes with the Lions. Meanwhile, the Lions, who are 4/7 with bet365 to win the series, have been boosted by the return of skipper Sam Warburton to full training after knee problems. They also showed up well in a 69-17 victory over Western Force on Wednesday afternoon, although the win came at the cost of an ankle injury to Irish prop Cian Healy.

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