Melbourne - Wallabies utility back James O'Connor has a lacerated liver and faces a six-week layoff that threatens his availability for mid-year Tests against Wales and Scotland.
O'Connor will spend several days in a Sydney hospital receiving treatment for the injury he suffered while playing for the Rebels at the weekend against the Waratahs.
The 21-year-old was accidentally kneed by Australia and Waratahs flyhalf Berrick Barnes as they contested possession. He is unlikely to play before the Rebels' June 1 clash with the Brumbies, leaving him in doubt for the Wallabies' first home Test of the season against Scotland four days later.