‘Tahs suffer Turner blow

WARATAHS SPEEDSTER Lachie Turner is likely to miss the entire Super Rugby season after tearing his hamstring off the bone during last week’s trial match against Samoa.

He will undergo surgery tomorrow and will be sidelined for at least six months.

That will rule him out of the Wallabies' June internationals against Scotland and Wales, and the best case recovery scenario means he could be back on the park if the Sydneysiders make the final in August.

It will be a bitter blow for Turner, who was set to form a devastating back three combination with fellow Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell.

Atieli Pakalani, who will return to action after a shoulder injury in the opening-round clash against the Reds, will be up against Tom Kingston and Brackin Karauria-Henry for Turner’s jersey.

Mitchell (ankle) will also be fit in time for the Reds match.

Meanwhile, in other injury-related news, No 8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring) and prop Benn Robinson (knee) are available for selection for Friday night's final trial match against Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Captain Rocky Elsom (hamstring) and lock Dan Vickerman (shoulder) should be back in early March and April respectively.

Lock Sitaleki Timani will also return from his Japanese rugby club in March.