The Reds and Waratahs are sweating on the availability of key players heading into the Super Rugby's opening round next week after Queensland prevailed 28-19 in a testing trial in Dalby on Friday night.
Waratahs playmaker Mack Mason limped off the field with a groin strain in the second half and while coach Rob Penney is not yet sure of its severity and this could open the door for Junior Wallabies Will Harrison or Mark Nawaqanitawase to start against the Crusaders.
Queensland meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of several key forwards, including Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and front-rowers JP Smith and Harry Hoopert, who missed both trials while recovering from an injury and off-season surgery.
The Waratahs scored two late tries to make the score look respectable but a slew of handling errors and a dominant performance from the Queensland forwards cruelled their chances.
The trial was the final pre-season hit-out for both teams and will have given coaches Brad Thorn and Rob Penney plenty of food for thought, with their Junior Wallabies pushing for places in round one next week.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds will open their Super Rugby campaign against the Brumbies at 8.15pm next Friday while the Waratahs will kick-off their campaign against defending champions, Crusaders at 6.05pm next Saturday.
[rugby.co.au]
