Wallabies prospect Noah Lolesio's nervous wait will stretch into a third day as he faces a potentially lengthy stint on the sideline with a hamstring injury.
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Bayley Kuenzle is likely to pull on the ACT Brumbies' No. 10 jersey should Lolesio be ruled out for a Super Rugby AU clash with the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.
There is concern within Brumbies camp Lolesio's injury could keep him sidelined for a crucial block of up to four games as the club edges towards the halfway mark of the 10-round campaign.
The 20-year-old looked a dejected figure when he limped off the park during the first half of the Brumbies' stirring win over the NSW Waratahs last week.
The emerging playmaker has taken the competition by storm this season but slapped the ground in agony before taking a place on the bench with ice strapped to his hamstring.
MORE BRUMBIES
It paved the way for 22-year-old Kuenzle to fill the flyhalf role for the bulk of the Waratahs clash after Lolesio earned the first crack this year and ran with it.
Kuenzle is yet to start a Super Rugby match but he has looked at home each time he has come off the bench.
However the prospect of a stint on the sideline is a cruel blow for Lolesio after he emerged as a genuine candidate for the Wallabies' flyhalf role.
Lolesio was sent for scans but Brumbies staff were still awaiting results late on Monday.
It comes as the club braces for a clash with the winless Force, who have a chip on their shoulder following a return to the Super Rugby fold for the rebooted season.
The Force have started fast before fading out of their opening two matches, with the Brumbies securing back-to-back wins via late tries in their first two games.
The round four clash looms as a chance for the Brumbies to rebuild the aura around their set piece after the scrum and lineout endured some struggles against the Waratahs.
"We know it's an area we've got to get better," Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
"It's something we have always prided ourselves on, and it's been a little bit rusty. We had the first week, didn't play in round two, and it was a little bit rusty.
"[Ned] Hanigan and [Rob] Simmons really challenged us in that area and we've got to be better of course."
Meanwhile, Rugby Australia bosses are set to meet with their New Zealand counterparts later this week to discuss a new era for rugby across the Tasman.
Australian rugby supremos remain steadfast in the belief they can support five teams, with New Zealand Rugby set to be granted a chance to outline their vision for 2021.
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND FOUR
Saturday: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at Leichhardt Oval, 7.15pm.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
