Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway admits the news of Kurtley Beale's Achilles injury was tough to take as the squad prepares for Wales on Saturday.
Beale picked up the injury after returning to club Rugby for Randwick, coming off the bench in the second half.
Tickets to the Wallabies 2024 Home Tests are available to purchase here.
The 95-Test veteran will head for scans on Monday with fears Beale has damaged his Achilles.
"It's a massive shame seeing him go down for the mighty 'Wicks yesterday," Kellaway told reporters.
"We're waiting on the scans and seeing how it goes but we've got a 38 man squad here so it's very much next guy in and excited to see how that pans out.
"...It could be anyone and it's horrible to see but for KB, I grew up watching him and eventually playing with someone who I now consider a close mate, it sucks to see after he was right back on the brink of where he used to be.
"We were all excited to have him back and touch wood it's not too serious. Any injury sucks but especially when it's like."
Beale was amongst several contenders fighting for a spot in the back three for the first Test against Wales, including Kellaway.
As always, the new Waratahs signing is happy to play anyone 1-15 as long as he's wearing the gold.
Kellaway is the lone member of the inside and outside backs left from the World Cup defeat to Wales, with Jordan Petaia (injury), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sevens/NRL), Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete (both overseas) all not selected.
Despite this, the 28-year-old backs the depth to step up and take their chances.
"No Marky and Marika but (Tom) Wright has had an outstanding Super Rugby season so you lose one like Mark Nawaqa and gain 'Wrighty'...it's a pretty good spot for us," he said.
"Darby (Lancaster) comes in off the back of a great Super season and (Dylan) Pietsch has had two solid Super seasons.
"We've lost a couple but gained a couple others and with that comes a new perspective and I'm excited to see how they go."
