Wallabies McDermott to miss Fiji clash after head knock

Tate McDermott will miss the Wallabies' pivotal World Cup clash with Fiji after a head knock. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Livewire Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott will miss their crunch Rugby World Cup pool clash with Fiji after he was felled making a tackle in their opening win over Georgia.

The Australians got off to a flying start with a 35-15 victory at Stade de France on Saturday (Sunday AEST) but their next challenge from Fiji, who downed England in a tournament warm-up match, is far more formidable.

It's a key match in the pool with the island nation, Wales and Australia vying for the two quarter-final spots.

The task will be made tougher without McDermott, with the tempo of the match slowing when he was replaced by veteran Nic White, who Jones is expected to turn to in their game next Sunday (Monday AEST) in Saint-Etienne. 

McDermott appeared to be momentarily knocked out late in the first half after his head collided with a Georgian knee.

Referee Luke Pearce immediately checked on the No.9 as he lay on turf before McDermott received medical treatment and he walked gingerly from the field, supported by the Wallabies doctor Sharron Flahive.

He was seen with the team out on the field post-match.

Rated a grade one concussion, under protocols McDermott will have to stand down for 12 days ruling him out of Fiji.

The vice-captain could return to face Wales in Lyon, which is in 15 days time.

Strike centre Samu Kerevi also left the field in the 42nd minute but Jones said it was a planned move, given his string of injuries, including an ACL and hand issue.

"Samu we always planned to play 40 ... we wanted to give him a hit-out," Jones said.

"He hasn't played since Dunedin so we needed to give him some time but he's come back from from a number of number of injuries so the plan was to get him ready for Fiji next week.

"It's obviously for him and for us an important game. 

"Playing against your mother country is pretty special, so we want to give him the best opportunity to be ready."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store