Rugby
O'Connor sweats on fitness
2012-05-01 10:44
Melbourne - Wallabies back James O'Connor is racing the clock to be fit for the June Test series against Scotland and Wales and must wait three weeks for scans on a lacerated liver.
O'Connor, 21, tore his liver in the Melbourne Rebels' Super Rugby match against Waratahs on April 21 when he was accidentally kneed by Berrick Barnes, and he is currently banned from any physical activity.
He said on Tuesday there were no concerns about long-term damage.
"We've got a scan in about three-and-a-half weeks to determine whether I can hopefully come back for the Test matches or make myself available to be fit," O'Connor told reporters.
As an internal injury, there is nothing he can do apart from follow doctor's orders and lay low, he added.
"If I could do something, I'd be doing it," he said.
"The best thing now is to relax and do nothing."
The Wallabies open their Test campaign on June 5 against Scotland, followed by clashes with Six Nations champions Wales in Brisbane on June 9, in Melbourne on June 16 and in Sydney on June 23.
O'Connor's loss would be a major blow to the Wallabies backline, given he was likely to start at No.10 in the absence of the injured Quade Cooper.