Injury blow for Finegan
November 10, 2002

Australia's Owen Finegan is facing a battle to be fit for next year's World Cup in his home country after dislocating his shoulder in the 18-9 defeat by Ireland in Dublin.

The 30-year-old versatile lock-cum-flanker will need a complete reconstruction of the shoulder after being injured mid-way through the first-half at Lansdowne Road.

Coach Eddie Jones fears Finegan, who scored a try after coming on as a replacement in the 1999 World Cup final against France, will be out for at least seven months and must be doubtful for when the Wallabies start the defence of the trophy next October.

"It is going to be difficult for him, no doubt about it," said Jones. "He made a tackle and was down and just got hit. It was disappointing to lose him early on.

"Its a reconstruction on a reconstruction and the minimum I would say you were looking at is at least seven months for that.

"He has done it before and come back from serious injury, but it is a big challenge for him."

Finegan, who has won 51 caps, missed the 2000 season with a knee injury, but returned to play in all three Tests against the British Lions last year.

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