Sport : Rugby Union

O'CONNOR BLOW FOR AUSTRALIA

23rd April 2012, 09:44am

Bet with SkyBet  Rugby World Cup... Click here to bet.

James O'Connor: Doubt for June Tests

James O'Connor: Doubt for June Tests

Melbourne Rebels and Australia star James O'Connor is in doubt for the Test matches against Scotland and Wales in June due to a lacerated liver.

O'Connor, who was hospitalised after taking an accidental knee to the ribs in a heavy collision with Wallabies team-mate Berrick Barnes in Saturday's Super Rugby loss to the Waratahs, will not resume contact training for six weeks.

The Wallabies open their 2012 season with a one-off Test against Scotland in Newcastle on June 5 before taking on Six Nations champions Wales in a three-match series.

The 21-year-old could be available for the second Test against Wales in Melbourne on June 16 if his rehabilitation runs smoothly, however coach Robbie Deans is unlikely to take any risks with the 36-Test star.

Deans is also likely to be without Reds centre Ben Tapuai, who will be sidelined for three months after breaking his collarbone in Queensland's loss to the Stormers on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old, who made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in November, requires surgery and is highly unlikely to play any further part in the Reds' Super Rugby campaign.

Bet with SkyBet  Rugby World Cup... Click here to bet.

Rugby Union Videos

    Waratahs hope to keep winning habit

    Waratahs hope to keep winning habit

    18-May-2013

    Reaction from captains Dave Dennis and Ben Mowen as Waratahs beat Brumbies 28-22.

    Leinster claim Amlin Challenge Cup

    Leinster claim Amlin Challenge Cup

    18-May-2013

    Leinster have defeated Stade Francais 34-13 in the Amlin Challenge Cup final in Dublin.

    Wilkinson previews Heineken Cup Final

    Wilkinson previews Heineken Cup Final

    17-May-2013

    Toulon's Jonny Wilkinson looks ahead to this weekend's Heineken Cup Final.

    Lions bonding ahead of tour

    Lions bonding ahead of tour

    17-May-2013

    Mako Vunipola and Mike Phillips reveal everyone's enjoying being part of the British and Irish Lions setup ahead of the tour to Australia.

    Sky Bet

    Facebook Favourites