Former Auckland back Gareth Anscombe is - injury permitting - in the frame for a dramatic World Cup call-up by Wales who suffered an injury disaster during a warm-up game against Italy.
Wales, who are in by far the toughest pool alongside England, Australia and Fiji, are reeling at the likely loss of two key players.
Halfback Rhys Webb, the Welsh player of the year, suffered ankle and knee injuries while fullback Leigh Halfpenny, one of rugby's finest goalkickers, suffered a serious knee problem.
Both were stretchered off the Millennium Stadium and initial diagnosis indicated ligament damage.
Reports have listed Anscombe as one of the potential replacements. He was named in this year's Six Nations squad and finally made his debut in a World Cup warm-up game against Ireland last month. Anscombe suffered a recent training ground ankle injury which may have contributed to his omission from Warren Gatland's cup squad.
