Shepherd plays his club rugby for Western Force in Perth

Gerrard, 25, will return to Australia this week after rupturing his knee in Saturday's 91-3 win over Japan in Lyon.

A Wallabies spokesman said Shepherd would join up with the Australia team in Cardiff on Thursday ahead of their next game against Wales on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who can play on the wing or at full-back, has played in five Tests for Australia.

Gerrard had been on the field for less than a minute against Japan when the injury occurred.

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"I pretty much knew straight away, when I heard it click," he said.

"It's disappointing, especially at this point of the tournament."

Gerrard does not require surgery but will have to wear a leg brace for the next six-to-eight weeks before beginning rehabilitation.