Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu is in doubt for the second Test against Wales after injuring his hand in Saturday night’s 27-19 series-opening victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Kepu played all 80 minutes in the three-tries-to-one victory over the Six Nations champions but was sent for scans on Sunday morning which will determine his availability for the Melbourne clash.
The NSW tight-head produced a strong display as the Australian scrum held firm against the highly-rated Welsh pack and would be a loss for the Wallabies.
But coach Robbie Deans has the luxury of calling on in-form Brumbies prop Dan Palmer who enjoyed a fine debut against Scotland on Tuesday night.
There was good news on the injury front for the Tri-Nations champions with Digby Ioane and Tatafu Polota-Nau were after copping heavy second-half knocks as the home side built up a 20-6 lead before the tourists closed to within a point with 17 minutes to play.
Wales have winger George North (deep cork) in some doubt for the second Test while centre Scott Williams suffered from a head clash with Polota-Nau.
Dom Shipperley and Bernard Foley have rejoined Australia’s 30-man squad, with Luke Morahan and Kane Douglas stepping out, while Deans said Kurtley Beale remains some chance of returning from a shoulder injury at Etihad Stadium.