O’Connor may miss Scots Test

Melbourne Rebels and Australia star James O’Connor is in doubt for the Test matches against Scotland and Wales in June due to a lacerated liver.

O’Connor, who was hospitalised after taking an accidental knee to the ribs in a heavy collision with Wallabies team-mate Berrick Barnes in Saturday’s Super Rugby loss to the Waratahs, will not resume contact training for six weeks.

The Wallabies open their 2012 season with a one-off Test against Scotland in Newcastle on 5 June before taking on Six Nations champions Wales in a three-match series.

The 21-year-old could be available for the second Test against Wales in Melbourne on 16 June if his rehabilitation runs smoothly, however coach Robbie Deans is unlikely to take any risks with the 36-Test star.

Deans is also likely to be without Reds centre Ben Tapuai, who will be sidelined for three months after breaking his collarbone in Queensland’s loss to the Stormers on Saturday night.

Australia, meanwhile, have confirmed that Munster head coach Tony McGahan has been taken on as coaching co-ordinator under Deans for the June international. McGahan will be joined in a new-look coaching set-up by Andrew Blades and Nick Scrivene’s move to Australia’s revamped coaching staff has been confirmed in a newly-created position ahead of the Wallabies’ June internationals.