Two of the Wallaroos' biggest stars are in doubt for the Rugby World Cup with sevens convert Charlotte Caslick undergoing ankle surgery and skipper Siokapesi Palu in danger of suffering a similar fate.
The pair both suffered injuries during Australia's loss to New Zealand in Wellington last Saturday and are now racing the clock with the tournament getting underway in England in late August.
Olympic gold medallist and long-time sevens captain Caslick, who switched to 15-a-side this year, suffered a syndesmosis injury which required surgery.
Playing in the centres she opened Australia's account with a first-half try.
A Wallaroos spokesperson said the 30-year-old would miss the Wallaroos' two warm-up matches against Wales, with the first at Brisbane's Ballymore on July 26.
But she hasn't given up on her World Cup dream with Australia opening their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23.
It's believed the speedster is more likely to return for their second match against the US a week later in York.
Flanker Palu was seen in a moon-boot following the Black Ferns loss after injuring herself while making a try-saving tackle.
The Wallaroos medical teams are "weighing up options" as they seek further information on the extent of the injury.
