Anthony Fainga’a is in line to replace Rob Horne in Australia’s starting line-up for Saturday’s (Sunday AM AEDT) Test against Wales in Cardiff.
Outside centre Horne pulled up with hamstring tightness at Thursday’s training session outside of Swansea.
Fainga’a is expected to be elevated off the bench with halfback Nick Phipps coming onto the bench.
Horne, 22, will be given until Friday morning to prove his fitness but it is unlikely the Wallabies will risk him considering his history of hamstring problems.
“Rob Horne finished training today a bit tight so there is a possibility that he might not be able to take his place,” Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.
Horne’s career has been punctuated by injuries.
He was dogged by hamstring problems early on and elbow troubles have stifled his progress in recent times.
The NSW Waratahs player had looked like he was cementing his place in the national team following some good showings at the World Cup.
He played on and scored a try with a broken cheekbone in Australia’s group win over the USA.
He also put in a strong 71-minute performance, after coming on for Kurtley Beale, in Australia’s 21-18 win over Wales in the World Cup bronze medal match.
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