The Brumbies and NSW Waratahs are facing injury concerns ahead of the Super Rugby season following Thursday's final trial game in Goulburn.
Fielding a strong team only missing Wallabies trio David Pocock, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa, the ACT side survived a late comeback from their arch-rivals to win 34-28.
But Queensland Reds recruit James Slipper (chest) and winger Lausii Taliauli (knee) failed to see out the match, with the Brumbies pair leaving the field inside the first 30 minutes.
Coach Dan McKellar said the duo aren't as bad as initially feared and could still line-up for the season-opener against Melbourne Rebels on February 15.
"From what I've been told Lausii is more like a corkie, so structurally it's okay, which is a relief," McKellar said.
Taliauli's early exit ruined a brilliant start to the game for the 25-year-old flyer, who bulldozed his way through the Waratahs' defence for the opening try.
Centres Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani, along with hooker Folau Fainga'a and reserve prop Tom Ross, were the Brumbies' other try scorers.
"We lost our way a bit in the last 30 minutes... I was pleased with our maul, but like any trial there were good things and still plenty to work on," McKellar said.
The Waratahs weren't immune to injury issues either, with centre Lalakai Foketi being helped off the field by trainers after 20 minutes due to a hamstring injury.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says he expects Foketi to be sidelined for at least three weeks.
Gibson's side were nowhere near full-strength with Wallabies stars Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps and Rob Simmons all rested.
"I was really proud of how (the younger players) stood up in the last period of the game," Gibson said.
"Guys like Will Harrison at 10 really showed what he could so it's a bright, promising future for us."
In contrast, the Brumbies opted to use Australia internationals Henry Speight, Pete Samu and Blake Enever off the bench.
Will Miller, Lachlan Swinton, lock Jed Holloway and Wallabies back-rower Ned Hanigan were the Waratahs' try scorers.
