Star back James O’Connor has suffered a suspected sternum injury in the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby game against the Blues, threatening his Wallabies selection.
The injury could put him in doubt for the Test series against the touring British and Irish Lions, with an initial 25-man squad to be named on May 18.
If fit, the 22-year-old is a certainty for a call-up with the versatility he offers in the backline.
O’Connor first appeared troubled by the injury 21 minutes into the Eden Park match but played on.
Four minutes later, he was slammed onto his back by a rampaging Rene Ranger as he set up a try for centre Frances Saili, which was his second of the opening 40 minutes.
The Rebels suffered another blow just minutes after O’Connor’s departure when replacement five-eighth Angus Roberts dislocated his shoulder.
The absence of that duo meant 20-year-old Bryce Hegarty earned his Super Rugby debut.
Blues winger Frank Halai scored a hat-trick in the first half to give his team a 29-10 lead at the break.