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Sydney - Wallabies flank Jack Dempsey's 2017 season is over after he suffered a serious leg injury in his side's victory over the Barbarians.
Reports are suggesting that the Waratahs back-row has torn his hamstring off the bone but Australia head coach Michael Cheika didn't wish to discuss specifics however did confirm he is still in serious pain post-match.
“I don’t think that would be an accurate assumption, It’s so fresh,” Cheika told rugby.com.au.
“Whatever it is, it’s serious. When I say serious, there’s no doubt he’ll be out of the tour.
“And he’s in a fair bit of pain in there too, so let’s just see what happens with it. It’s unfortunate his season’s over.
“He’s a young fella who’s coming up too through the ranks.
“He’s not going to forget how to play footy between now and next year.
“He’ll have a chance to have a bigger preseason now and get himself right.
The 23-year-old has been one of Australia’s form players in recent weeks and on Saturday coach Cheika said they could not have won without him.
His excellent recent form makes the injury even more upsetting for Aussie fans and skipper Nick Phipps said Dempsey was devastated after the game.
“He’s pretty upset, he worked super hard to come back from his last injury,” he said.
“He’s had a tough year already through some injuries so he’s obviously pretty upset but he’s surrounded by some great blokes, some great players around there, a lot of boys going and having a chat with him.
“No doubt with their support he’ll be back bigger and better next year.”
Australia's injury woes may continue, as Lukhan Tui came off after 35 minutes with a hamstring injury and Cheika didn't seem upbeat about Rory Arnold’s fitness for the tour as the lock continues his recovery from a knee strain.
Cheika also took time to praise teenage loose forward Liam Wright and Ben McCalman. Duncan Paia’aua was also praised for his efforts.
“It was a big ask of Duncan to come in and run the game he’s never played this shape before it’s different,” he said.
“I wanted to give him that experience and talk to him after and see if it’s something he can grow into because he’s got a sharp football mind, he’s a threat himself, scored a try and made a couple of other breaks.
“He should be much more self-confident about his ability that guy because he’s a class player.”
Taqele Naiyaravoro and Tom Banks also had solid outings for the Baa-Baas and may cause Cheika to give them both a look-in.
Cheika will announce his Spring Tour squad on Sunday before they depart for Japan on Tuesday.
