The Queensland Reds are holding their breath with in-form flanker Liam Gill undergoing scans on his knee ahead of Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Bulls.
While Wallabies captain James Horwill is set to return to the Reds forward pack, Gill is in doubt after pulling up from the weekend’s 19-12 loss to the Western Force with a medial ligament concern.
Gill has consistently been Queensland’s best player across the first five rounds of the competition and is fighting hard with Michael Hooper to be David Pocock’s Test replacement at openside flanker.
Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie did not believe the injury was too serious but booked Gill in for scans to ensure he would not break down against the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re basically checking him out to make sure there’s nothing sinister there,” McKenzie said.
If Gill is ruled out, Jake Schatz would likely move from No.8 to No.7 as back-up openside Beau Robinson (ankle) is also sidelined.
Reserve back-rower Radike Samo is also in doubt with a knee injury which could open the way for youngster Jarrad Butler to make his run-out starting debut.
Lock Horwill is likely to play 40 minutes in his long-awaited return from hamstring and ankle injuries if he gets through training this week.