The Queensland Reds' hopes of cementing themselves as a Super Rugby Pacific title favourite have taken a hit with winger Lachie Anderson sustaining a serious wrist injury.
Anderson was taken to hospital after badly hurting his wrist in the Reds' 34-31 victory against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday, and it's been confirmed to AAP he'll miss an extended period of time.
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The 28-year-old scored his first try for Queensland this season against Canberra after a standout year last campaign, in which he played all 15 games and registered eight five-pointers.
His injury adds further pressure to the depth of coach Les Kiss's side as Anderson joins playmaker Hunter Paisami (ankle), Matt Faessler (knee), Massimo De Lutiis, and Wallaby Tate McDermott (hamstring) on the sidelines.
It comes as the Reds shift their focus from beating the ladder leaders to face bitter rivals NSW Waratahs next Saturday.
They're not without options, though, as young winger Tim Ryan was rested against the Canberrans and is expected to slot back into the lineup.
Wallaby Tom Lynagh (leg) could also enter the matchday 23 after Kiss previously hinted at a return in the near future.
The clash is poised as an opportunity for the Reds to continue to build their momentum and push for a title for the first time since 2021, after falling short of the semi-finals in the past four years.
After NSW beat Queensland 36-12 in round one, they will also be looking to regain bragging rights.
They will do so without star back Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii who has been ruled out of action for six-to-eight weeks due to a hamstring injury.
"What better challenge to take into next week after getting the results tonight," Kiss said post-match in Canberra on Saturday.
"We've played them (NSW) twice this year, and they've got the better of us both times, so we're aware of the threat that they do have.
"We're going to have to work better than we did tonight."
Captain Fraser McReight echoed his coach's sentiments.
"We came away and got a win against a great side. Great teams find a way to win, and I think we're one of those," he said.
