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Auckland - As the dust settles after the first salvo of matches in the RWC, many of the teams will be taking stock of the casualties suffered during the heart of battle after the weekend's action.
The Wallabies will keep a close eye on wing, Digby Ione, after he fractured his thumb in Sunday's 32-6 defeat of Italy at the North Harbour Stadium.
Australia assistant coach David Nucifora echoed sentiments by saying that "our greatest concern is Digby" after his thumb "blew up last night."
Ioane scored the Australia's fourth try, thus earning the Wallabies a vital a bonus point.
According to Keo.co.za, the severity of Ione's injury is of such a nature that it requires surgery to be carried out on it. However, he will to remain with the Australian squad and is expected to feature for the Wallabies, if required, should they make it to the knockout rounds.
"He is expected to be available to play again later in the tournament although the exact timelines on when he might be able to return will not be known until after the joint has been operated on, and his rehabilitation from the injury has begun," the Wallabies said in a statement.
Ione's injury paves the way for James O'Connor to return to the starting lineup without Adam Ashley-Cooper or Anthony Fainga'a having to be dropped.
The 26-year-old Ioane has scored nine tries in 17 Tests and has been one of the Wallabies' standout players this season, but has been plagued with injuries since becoming a full international in 2007.
