Deans faces injury posers

Rejuvenated Wallaby coach Robbie Deans could get one of his most talented players back from injury, but may lose a front row forward.

Prop Sekope Kepu is a doubtful starter for Australia's second Test against Wales in Melborne on Saturday, after injuring his hand in the 27-19 series-opening victory in Brisbane at the weekend.

Kepu played the entire match, but was sent for scans on Sunday – which will determine his availability for the Melbourne clash.

The Waratahs tighthead produced a strong display as the Australian scrum held firm against the highly-rated Welsh pack and would be a loss for the Wallabies.

Deans will most likely fall back on in-form Brumbies prop Dan Palmer, who enjoyed a fine debut against Scotland last Tuesday.

However, Deans revealed he had not given up hope of Kurtley Beale being available for the second Test.

Beale must first convince the selectors he has overcome his shoulder complaint and then will also front up to an Australian Rugby Union code of conduct disciplinary hearing this week.

The ARU is investigating an incident involving Beale and Quade Cooper in at Brisbane in the early hours of Friday morning last week – where police were called.

However, on the rugby side, Deans believes Beale is close to a return.

"He's rehabbing hard and there is a chance he may be available," Deans told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"But don't get too excited by it, because he hasn't received the green light.

"Talking to Kurtley, he's feeling good. The discomfort has gone and the critical issue now is strength. The medical staff will want him to be back to full strength, before he re-enters."

There was further good news on the injury front for the Tri-Nations champions, with Digby Ioane and Tatafu Polota-Nau looking good after copping heavy second-half knocks.

Dom Shipperley and Bernard Foley have rejoined Australia's 30-man squad, with Luke Morahan and Kane Douglas falling out.