Wales set to be without Aaron Wainwright against Australia

The 26-year-old led the charge with an impressive performance in Saturday’s 25-16 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney.

However, the Dragons number eight limped off in the last minute and is a major doubt for Saturday’s fixture in Melbourne.

That would be a huge blow for a Wales side whose lack of ball carriers has played a big part in an eight-Test losing streak.

"We’re waiting for further assessment," said Wales assistant coach Rob Howley about Wainwright, who made his 30th appearance of the season when winning his 50th cap.

"He was outstanding in the game. His carries and footwork got us on the front foot on many an occasion.

"So hopefully [he'll be available]. But we're waiting for that assessment to come back from the medical team."

Wainwright has been a standout performer for Wales this season, shifting to number eight after the World Cup loss of Taulupe Faletau.

The Dragons man was typically influential in Sydney when making 17 carries for 144 metres and beating five defenders while he made 16 tackles with no misses.

The Rodney Parade club will hope that Wainwright returns from Australia in reasonable shape before a rest period ahead of the United Rugby Championship, which gets under way on September 21.

Wales are also waiting for injury news on full-back Liam Williams and loosehead Gareth Thomas after they came off in the second half while wing Josh Hathaway is a doubt.

Tighthead Dillon Lewis and Dragons lock Ben Carter missed out on Sydney but Howley hopes they will be in the mix for Melbourne.

"Liam will hopefully be available for selection, we’re waiting on him," said Warren Gatland’s right-hand man.

"Gareth Thomas had a bit of a dead leg, he was back in training today. Josh Hathaway is being monitored, he had a bump on his arm.

"Dillon and Ben Carter trained this morning with us. Hopefully those players who came off, fingers crossed, will be available for selection."