He's been one of the Wallabies' most effective attacking players for the last few years, but the men in gold are set for a long stint without their world-class halfback, Tate McDermott.
The 50-capped Wallaby has had scans following his early departure from the field in Auckland, with the procedure confirming a significant hamstring injury.
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McDermott has been a staple of the Wallabies of the 2020s, serving as co-captain of the Queensland Reds and earning his 100th cap for the club earlier this year.
A Hospital Cup and NRC title-winning alumnus, McDermott has become known for his effective utilisation off the bench for the Wallabies under Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones, and Joe Schmidt - with pundits calling for him to be the starting halfback.
Being caught in an awkward position during a cleanout in the 19th minute in Auckland, McDermott immediately went down, confirming to on-field medical staff that he was in pain in his hamstring.
"Scans have confirmed that Tate McDermott will require surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered in Auckland," the Wallabies confirmed in a statement.
"He is expected to spend an extended period of time on the sideline throughout his recovery."
The news comes as a major headache for Joe Schmidt and his team, and adds questions as to the makeup of the Wallabies halves for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
For the Perth Bledisloe, the Wallabies coach will have Jake Gordon and Ryan Lonergan in camp, with the former returning from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for two months, while the latter played 60 minutes on his debut over the weekend.
Veteran Nic White has returned to the camp following his second retirement to assist the squad for this weekend's clash, though it is unlikely that he will be under consideration to play in the side.
However, beyond the Bledisloe Cup, Schmidt will need to consider his options at scrum half if McDermott misses the November internationals as expected.
Teddy Wilson (NSW Waratahs), Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds), and Klayton Thorn (ACT Brumbies) have all had big seasons this year across Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby AUS, and the British & Irish Lions tour.
Three-capped Wallaby Issak Fines-Leleiwasa could also be considered, though the Force scrumhalf has seemingly declared his intentions to play for Fiji after signing with the Drua for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
