As much as the two tries from new outside half Duncan Paia’aua was a cause for celebration for Wallaby coach Cheika, along with a win by five tries to four, the loss of two young forwards was a blow.
Cheika will announce his tour party, who open the 2017 Under Armour Series against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 December, on today (Sunday). Star full back Israel Folau has already been given a break for the rest of the year and lock Izak Rodda is undergoing shoulder surgery.
Dempsey had only just returned after recovering from a leg fracture and there were post-match fears he had torn his hamstring off the bone in the nine try, 59 point thriller in Sydney
“It’s a serious injury and, when I say serious, there’s no doubt he’ll be out of the tour. It’s unfortunate his season’s over because he’s a young fella who’s coming up through the ranks,” said Cheika.
Tui left the field after 35 minutes with a hamstring injury and Cheika is also worried about the fitness of lock Rory Arnold, who is still battling to overcome a knee injury. On a more positive front, Tui’s injury allowed the experienced campaigner Ben McCalman to make a return to the Wallaby ranks after more than a year off the international stage
McCalman has five wins in five appearances against Wales in his 49 test career.
