Injury puts Horwill in jeopardy
THE Wallabies could have a new captain for their Test against Scotland on June 5 at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle.
Regular Australian skipper James Horwill is carrying a hamstring injury and will have scans today.
Five-eighth Kurtley Beale is also in doubt after he injured his shoulder on Saturday night during the Hurricanes v Rebels match in Wellington.
Beale had scans last night.
And while he has still been selected in the 39-man squad for the 2012 international season, a time frame on when he can return to train and play is still to be determined.
Five-eighth James O'Connor's sickening clash with the Waratahs' Berrick Barnes on April 21, and his resultant rib damage, has resulted in the selection of Quade Cooper.
This could be said to be somewhat of a surprise as the Reds playmaker has been on the field for just 120 minutes since his comeback from the knee ligament he ruptured in last year's World Cup.
The Wallabies squad will assemble this Sunday.
This will be just 48 hours before the historic clash against Scotland which will be the first rugby union Test to be held in Newcastle.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans knows the squad will not have much time together before the Scotland game.
But he said this late preparation was essential because he wanted to wait until the conclusion of this weekend's Super Rugby fixtures.
"We can't finalise a side for that match until all of the games are played, and we are in a position to assess all of the players," he said.
"Obviously we have preliminary ideas but the selection template is a living document.
"It can, and probably will change, as a result of events through the final round of Super Rugby before the international break."
