Australian Rugby
Hugh McMeniman cleared of neck injury
July 14, 2013
The Force's Hugh McMeniman rampages through the Waratahs' defence, New South Wales Waratahs v Western Force, Super Rugby, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, March 31, 2013
Hugh McMeniman is fir to resume his physical approach after being stretchered from the pitch against the Brumbies © Getty Images
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Hugh McMeniman will be available for Wallabies selection in the Rugby Championship after being cleared of a serious neck injury. Scans also cleared Western Force team-mate Sam Wykes of serious damage after the lock limped off with an ankle injury.

McMeniman was taken to hospital on Saturday night after having his neck crunched in a breakdown collision during the Force's 21-15 Super Rugby victory over the Brumbies. Scans cleared him of major damage, and he was released later that night.

McMeniman, who suffered a serious shoulder injury during the season, failed to notch game time for Australia during the recent series against the British & Irish Lions, but his aggression, grunt and experience may be a vital asset for new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who took over from Robbie Deans.

McKenzie will take charge of the Wallabies for the first time in the Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on August 17, with the return bout against the All Blacks scheduled to take place in Wellington a week later.

The Force were too good for the Brumbies in Perth (video available only in Australia)
© AAP

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