Wallabies utility back James O’Connor has a lacerated liver and faces a six-week layoff that threatens his availability for mid-year Tests against Wales and Scotland.
Sport24
O’Connor will spend several days in a Sydney hospital receiving treatment for the injury he suffered while playing for the Rebels at the weekend against the Waratahs.
The 21-year-old was accidentally kneed by Australia and Waratahs flyhalf Berrick Barnes as they contested possession. He is unlikely to play before the Rebels’ June 1 clash with the Brumbies, leaving him in doubt for the Wallabies’ first home Test of the season against Scotland four days later.
Duane Vermeulen and Aplon both out, and on their way back to SA, and doubt over Etsabeth, who is still struggling with that shoulder from the previous match