The Waratahs' missing men

The Waratahs currently have five players with serious injuries, who are all at various stages of their rehabilitation and unavailable for Super Rugby action.

Wings Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner are both long term worries and are unexpected to take any part in their year's Super Rugby campaign for the Sydney franchise.

Mitchell is still recovering from an ankle injury and has targeted mid July for a return to training, while Turner has had surgery on his ruptured hamstring and will only be able to train again in August.

Veteran lock Dan Vickerman had an operation to remove the rod from his right tibia four weeks ago.  He has this week returned to a full cross training and weights program, with his reaction to the increased training load carefully monitored. Vickerman's situation will be reviewed in a month's time.

Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick injured his knee in the round two match against the Rebels, and has had ACL reconstruction surgery to his knee. Fitzpatrick will be out of action for at least another six months.

Impressive young flank Pat McCutcheon went under the knife to repair the fracture and dislocation of his left ankle that occurred during the match against the Highlanders. He is expected to be on crutches and non-weight bearing for another six weeks, with a full recovery expected to take six to nine months.