Wallabies fret over injuries to Tatafu Polota-Nau and George Smith

Australia coach Robbie Deans admits hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is unlikely to play a part in the British & Irish Lion series, but is hopeful George Smith will still be available after the pair were injured on Saturday.

Polota-Nau fractured his arm tackling Henry Speight during the Waratahs' 28-22 victory over the Brumbies, while Smith hobbled off on the hour mark with an injured knee.

Deans will name his preliminary 25-man squad for the Lions series on Sunday.

"Tatafu right from the outset didn't look good so he'll be devastated," Deans told Fox Sports after the match.

"You don't get the sort of opportunity the Lions series presents very often and it looks like he'll be denied that now so that's very disappointing for him and for us."
Significant

Smith, who won 110 caps before retiring from international rugby in 2010, was only cleared for selection for the series on Friday following negotiations with his Japanese club.

The 32-year-old was more than a match for rival openside Michael Hooper in the first half of the Super Rugby clash but he was forced to limp off in the second half.

"It could be significant but let's hope not because he's very keen to participate," Deans said of the injury.

"We only resolved his eligibility yesterday and he didn't look great when he left but if he's talking positively, that's a good start."

Brumbies coach Jake White later said doctors feared Smith could have suffered a medial ligament injury, which would require surgery and rule him out of the Lions series.