Injuries force more changes to Wallabies squad ahead of Lions tests

Australia coach Robbie Deans was forced to make three changes to his 25-man training squad yesterday after more injury problems ahead of the British and Irish Lions test series.

Melbourne Rebels halfback Nick Phipps, NSW Waratahs lock Kane Douglas and Western Force loose forward Ben McCalman were called up after second-rower Sitaleki Timani and in-form back-rower Scott Higginbotham were both injured.

Melbourne Rebel Higginbotham left the field with a sore shoulder during his side's Super Rugby loss to the Queensland Reds on Saturday and Timani picked up a broken thumb as the New South Wales Waratahs lost to the Canterbury Crusaders on Friday. Both will go for scans to determine whether or not they will feature in the three tests against the Lions in June and July.

Reds winger Digby Ioane is continuing rehabilitation for a cartilage issue in his left knee, but was expected to join the squad in Sydney yesterday.

"Digby is unable to train. His focus is on getting his knee right, which is why we've chosen to bring him in anyway, so our medical staff can oversee the process," Deans said.

McCalman was expected to line up for the Force against the Lions in Perth on Wednesday, but his first Wallabies call up in a year means he will sit out the midweek game.