Brumbies struck down by injury in season opener

Wallabies and Brumbies star David Pocock played just five minutes of Friday night's Super Rugby opener before copping an elbow from Rebels skipper Dane Haylett-Petty that forced him from the field for the rest of the match.

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar says he can't guarantee Pocock will be ready to take on the Chiefs next Saturday night after he failed his head injury assessment.

It's a cruel blow for Pocock who experienced a tumultuous offseason battling neck and calf injuries.

"He's obviously had a concussion on the [Wallabies'] Spring tour as well so we'll just do what's in the best interest of Dave," McKellar told AAP.

Without Pocock the Brumbies suffered a 34-27 opening round defeat at the hands of the visiting Rebels.

Wallabies teammate Haylett-Petty had an interesting take on Pocock's injury.

"It was probably the highlight of my night taking Poey out," Haylett-Petty said.

"I'm glad he's all right, but it's nice not having to play against him. Obviously he's so big for them, he leads them around."

Pocock was not the only Brumby injured in the match. Former Chiefs winger Toni Pulu suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone in his first appearance for the club, and McKellar fears the injury could see the 30-year-old sidelined for an extended period.

McKellar fears the Wallabies prospect could be sidelined for an extended period.

"He's been such a great addition to the club, he's really popular amongst the group and brings a lot of experience and knowledge to our outside backs," McKellar said.

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