Melbourne - Melbourne Rebels skipper and Wallabies fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is set to miss six weeks of Super Rugby with a ligament problem, his franchise said ahead of their clash with the Sharks on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, a mainstay of Australia's backline since making his debut against England in 2016, picked up the foot injury in the Rebels' 36-33 loss to the Lions last weekend.
Scans have shown it to be worse than first thought.
"He's going to be out for some time, he'll be out for about six weeks," coach Dave Wessels told reporters.
"He just landed awkwardly on it in the game and didn't pull up well. Unfortunately he's out for some time."
It is a big blow for the Rebels who will also be without Wallabies Adam Coleman, Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani and Will Genia against the Sharks in Durban.
They are being rested under a rotation policy ahead of the World Cup.
Angus Cottrell has been elevated to skipper for the game.
"One of the things we worked hard on the last couple of months is our leadership and development," said Wessels.
"We chose Gus because he'd done the job for us in the past, so he's probably a little bit more experienced."
Meanwhile, Wallabies pair David Pocock and Allan Alaalotoa are injury doubts for the Brumbies' showdown with the Queensland Reds on Sunday, according to skipper Christian Lealiifano.
"Allan was out there running (on Thursday)... but I'm doubtful for them this week," he said.
Saturday's clash at Kings Park is scheduled for 17:15.
Teams:
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Marius Louw, 23. Curwin Bosch
Rebels
15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Reece Hodge, 13 Sione Tuipulotu, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Tom English, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Matt Phillip, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibson
Substitutes: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Campbell Magnay, 23 TBC
