Injury concerns for Waugh

In a cruel blow, NSW Waratahs captain Phil Waugh may be sidelined for three months after sustaining a bicep injury in the team's 30-6 win against Queensland Reds in Sydney on Saturday night.
Waugh, who did not return to the field in the second half of the game, will have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.

Early ultrasound scans have indicated there is damage to his biceps tendon.

"If the MRI confirms the ultrasound, Phil will probably require surgery and that would mean a minimum of 12 weeks out," Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey told The Australian.

"It was a good win, but that would be an expensive price to pay. We've talked about our depth. It's only round two, but it may be tested already."

Waugh appears to have been ruled out of the Waratahs' clash with the Crusaders in the new location of Nelson on Friday night.

Chris Alcock, who replaced Waugh on Saturday, will compete with Pat McCutcheon for the starting openside flanker position.

"We've got a few options," Hickey said. "We can cover that on the field. It's Phil's leadership where he leaves a big hole.

"Dean Mumm took over the captaincy on Saturday night, and he would be the likely captain at this stage. We have good options in Dean, Berrick Barnes and Drew Mitchell."

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau suffered a shoulder injury during his man of the match performance on Saturday but is expected to be fit to play the Crusaders.

The Waratahs remain on top of the Australian conference after two bonus-point wins.