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Crew-cut Wallabies dump cursed clippers
By Jim Morton 12:18 AEST Tue Sep 25 2007
A set of "cursed" hair clippers are headed for the bin as Scott Staniforth breathes a sigh of relief over his Rugby World Cup close shave.
Staniforth feared he'd suffered the same fate as fellow Wallabies utility back Mark Gerrard and that his tournament was over when injured with his first touch of the ball in the 55-12 win over Fiji on Sunday.
The latest injury gave rise to the theory of the curse of the clippers.
The crew-cut Staniforth had used the same hair clippers that Gerrard and Stephen Larkham borrowed for close crops the day before their World Cup injuries.
Gerrard was sent home after rupturing knee ligaments with his first touch against Japan while Larkham underwent surgery after aggravating chronic knee problems before the Wales Test.
Staniforth was greatly relieved when scans cleared him to stay with the Wallabies after sustaining an AC shoulder injury.
The 29-year-old is hopeful he may even start at inside centre against Canada on Saturday if swelling in the joint subsides quickly.
"First touch, bang," Staniforth said.
"Actually Mark Gerrard, myself and Stephen Larkham have all used the same clippers for our hair so we're throwing them in the bin.
"They're Al Baxter's.
"We're not in his (prop) position so I don't know why he's cursing us."
Coming off the bench in the second half at Stade de la Mosson, Staniforth's injury occurred due to a botched switch move with fellow centre Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Ashley-Cooper's knee smashed into Staniforth's right shoulder as he was tackled by Fijian centre Seru Rabeni.
He stayed down for several minutes and received treatment from team doctor Martin Raftery before rejoining the defensive line.
"When I got back into the line I made another tackle and I just thought no," Staniforth said.
"I think Chris Latham said 'Mate the game's over, there's no need for heroes today.
"I took his advice and walking off I thought it might be my dream over."
The versatile Staniforth, currently commanding a place on the bench in Australia's strongest 22, is desperate to start against the Canucks in Bordeaux.
"All the reserves will get a run this weekend so I'd love to be there," he said.
"I give myself a chance of playing 12 or the wing and trying to push for a starting spot or a bench spot.
"I suppose if you miss a game, any game, and they (selectors) can change their minds pretty quick."