Rocky Elsom is in serious doubt for the Wallabies’ two-Test tour of South Africa this month as he battles a foot injury.
The Australian blindside flanker sustained ligament damage during the Wallabies' 34-19 win against the All Blacks two weeks ago, and was missed by the squad when they fell to their trans-Tasman rivals last Saturday.
The Wallabies will reassemble for a two-day training camp in Sydney next Wednesday, with a decision on Elsom's participation to be made the day earlier.
"I'd love to play, but I've never had this injury before so I don't know the go," Elsom told AFP.
"I feel it is getting better, but it's hard to say. I'll have to wait and see."
With Elsom in the casualty ward, coach Robbie Deans was forced to play two openside flankers against the All Blacks at Eden Park - George Smith and Phil Waugh.
The idea was to gain an advantage in mobility.
It backfired.
The All Blacks dominated physically, exposing the Wallabies' weaknesses and tempting Deans to throw Elsom back in the fray as soon as possible.
Should Elsom not be cleared to take on the Springboks, Deans is tipped to start Hugh McMeniman at blindside flanker.
Fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper is also in doubt for the first Test against South Africa on August 23. He underwent surgery on a broken hand on Monday.
