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Mortlock out Wallabies lock to miss Super 12 final, Lions series
CANBERRA (Reuters) -- Wallaby center Stirling Mortlock is to miss the test series against the touring British and Irish Lions in June and July because of a shoulder injury which requires reconstructive surgery. Mortlock dislocated his left shoulder scoring a try for the ACT Brumbies in their Super 12 semifinal win over Queensland last week, and will also miss Saturday's final in Canberra against South Africa's Sharks. Mortlock, who has 10 test caps, said Wednesday he did not expect to play again until next year, missing also the Tri-Nations series against South Africa and New Zealand and Australia's end-of-year Northern Hemisphere tour. It is shocking news for Mortlock considering the Lions have not toured Australia since 1989. "To be honest, I'm more disappointed with missing the (Super 12) final because I really hadn't thought much about the test season yet," Mortlock said. "We had worked towards this goal as a team all year and it's going to be tough watching from the stands. "But I knew when it happened the injury was bad and I was at least going to be out for a few months.' Meanwhile, the Brumbies named suspended forward Owen Finegan in their 26-man squad for Saturday's final. Finegan was banned for five weeks on Sunday for stomping on the head of Queensland hooker Michael Foley during Saturday's semifinal. The Brumbies have appealed against Finegan's suspension and the appeal will be heard in Sydney on Thursday. ACT Brumbies squad: Mark Bartholomeusz, Graeme Bond, Ben Darwin, Owen Finegan, David Giffin, George Gregan, Travis Hall, Justin Harrison, James Holbeck, Rod Kafer, Stephen Larkham, Craig McMullen, Tom Murphy, Jeremy Paul, David Pusey, Joe Roff, Peter Ryan, Radike Samo, George Smith, Des Tuiavii, Daniel Vickerman, Andrew Walker, Matthew Weaver, Joel Wilson, Jim Williams, Bill Young.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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