The NSW Waratahs have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Wallabies star Berrick Barnes ruled out of Friday’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels.

Utility back Barnes missed last Saturday’s loss to the Queensland Reds with a groin injury but was expected to play against the Rebels in Melbourne.

However he pulled up sore on Tuesday after a fitness test on Monday and said he would miss the game but was confident of playing the next week against the Highlanders in Dunedin.