Ray of hope for Beale

Wallabies utility back Kurtley Beale may take some part in Australia's June Tests against Wales after his shoulder injury was found to be less serious than first thought.

Beale was expected to need surgery after injuring his shoulder in last weekend's Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Hurricanes. But a Wallabies team spokesman said on Tuesday that an operation would not be necessary and Beale is likely to join the Australian squad after next Tuesday's test against Scotland.

The spokesman said Beale's improved prognosis meant he might be able to play at some stage during the three-Test series against Wales.

However the news was not so positive for captain James Horwill who has been ruled out of all four of Australia's June tests with a hamstring injury. He said that he will have to consult specialists before the full duration of his recovery is known.

"Initially it's probably worse than what we were hoping," Horwill said. "There's a couple of guys here in Australia and we're also trying to get some advice from people around the world about what the best course of action is."

SAPA