The Waratahs have called utility back Ben Volavola into their squad as emergency injury cover after injuries to wingers Peter Betham and Alofa Alofa.
The Waratahs beat the Stormers 11-22 in Cape Town on Saturday but the victory came at a cost as Betham and Alofa were both injured in the battle.
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Scans in Cape Town on Sunday confirmed a break in Betham’s left foot while fellow speedster Alofa suffered a medial ligament strain in his right knee.
Bethan and Alofa stayed overnight in Johannesburg before flying to Sydney today, instead of joining the team who flew straight to Perth for this Saturday’s re-match with the Force.
But Alofa and Betham aren’t the only concerns, with second rower Kane Douglas being monitored for a sore neck after a standout performance against the Stormers.
Utility back Matt Carraro is receiving treatment for a cut to his head and Sekope Kepu picked up an ankle niggle but all three are still hopeful of playing against the fifth-placed Force on Saturday.
On the positive side, coach Michael Cheika is confident No 8 Wycliff Palu will be fit to play after resting the ankle he hurt in Durban against the Sharks the previous week, and Israel Folau should finally return to the starting side after a throat injury confined his to the sidelines during his week-long visit to South Africa.
The squad arrives in Perth this afternoon, leaving them just four days to shake off jet lag and prepare to face the team one rung below them on the table.