Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright will miss the second Test against Australia in Melbourne after suffering a hamstring injury.

Wainwright was Wales’ leading performer during his 50th international in the 25-16 first Test defeat in Sydney but limped off in the final minute.

The 26-year-old has started the last eight Tests in the number eight jersey and arguably been Wales’ player of the 2023-24 season.

Wainwright will miss the beginning of the new season with Dragons and faces a battle to be fit for Wales’ autumn internationals against Fiji, South Africa and Australia in November.

Flanker James Botham was the back-row replacement in Sydney and favourite to replace Wainwright, while Mackenzie Martin is the other specialist number eight in the squad.

Wales also have concerns over full-back Liam Williams, prop Gareth Thomas and wing Josh Hathaway, while prop Dillon Lewis and lock Ben Carter are battling to be fit after missing the the game in Sydney.

Cardiff full-back Cameron Winnett and Scarlets prop Kemsley Mathias are in line to start if Williams and Thomas are ruled out.