Sydney - Australia backrower Wycliff Palu has undergone knee surgery to repair cartilage damage, continuing a race to regain fitness for this year's Rugby World Cup.
Palu is not expected to play for the Wallabies in the current Tri-Nations tournament because of a cracked shoulder blade and the knee problem flared during a recent camp with the Australian squad.
A Wallabies spokesperson said the surgery was minor and would not extend Palu's time on the sidelines. He said the knee injury "was more an irritant than anything and there was an opportunity to (have the operation) now and get it done."
Palu is expected to make his playing return either in Sydney club rugby or for the Australian Barbarians against Canada on Aug. 26.