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The Wallabies have suffered a major Rugby World Cup blow with scans revealing gun winger Digby Ioane has a fractured thumb requiring surgery.
The injury appears likely to rule Ioane out for the rest of the tournament.
He suffered the fracture while playing a starring role in Australia's opening 32-6 win over Italy on Sunday.
Australia's leading scorer during the Tri Nations tournament, Ioane scored one try and made a great break to set up another in the impressive win.
With Ioane sidelined, Drew Mitchell could be in line for a recall to the vacant left wing after recovering from his dislocated ankle.
James O'Connor was already in line for a return to Australia's starting line-up on the other wing after also excelling when he came on in the 48th minute at North Harbour Stadium.
O'Connor crossed for a try and landed three conversions and is expected to start against Ireland, with Adam Ashley-Cooper reverting to outside centre and Anthony Faingaa facing relegation.