The Queensland Reds' best-laid fullback plans may have turned to dust with earmarked No.15 Aidan Toua injured and in doubt for their Super Rugby kick-off.
Toua will have scans on Wednesday after suffering hamstring soreness following his starring effort in last weekend's 31-20 trial defeat of the Chiefs in Toowoomba.
It would be a bitter blow for the 24-year-old to miss the February 22 season-opener against the Brumbies following a terrible run with injuries over the past three seasons, which has limited him to just five appearances.
It's not his first hamstring problem either - Toua had broken into the Reds side in 2012 at outside centre before sustaining a repeated tear.
Waratahs recruit Lachie Turner will now line up at fullback in Friday night's last pre-season hit-out against the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore.
Turner was vying for the No.15 role with Toua as new coach Richard Graham has aimed to add speed and punch to his back three.
The former Wallabies speedster also produced a fine display, starting on the wing, against the Chiefs and has spoken of his desire to play in the custodian's role.
Turner's move will see a promoted Rod Davies and Dom Shipperley start on the wings in what could well be the Reds' back three to start against the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.
Wallabies three-quarter Chris Feauai-Sautia has replaced Ben Tapuai at outside centre in one of four changes, while Anthony Fainga'a makes his return from shoulder surgery on the bench.
Intriguingly, the Reds have switched versatile Wallabies prop James Slipper to loosehead where he plays his Test rugby to start Greg Holmes at tighthead.
Queensland: Lachie Turner, Rod Davies, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper. Res: Ben Daley, James Hanson, Jono Owen, Blake Enever, Ed O'Donoghue, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Chris Kuridrani, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.
