Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson is firming for a return for the Reds, but Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa is racing the clock to be fit for his side’s crucial last match of the regular season, with scans confirming that the Test star had suffered a calf strain.

The Wallabies stalwart, who is in career best form for the Brumbies, left the field early in the second half during his side’s 24-14 win over the Queensland Reds in Canberra on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old was assisted from the field by two trainers and sat on the bench, but didn’t do his usual post-match interview commitments.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he hoped his star tight-head prop was simply battling some cramp, but scans revealed that he had suffered a low grade calf strain.

In a statement the Brumbies said the result was “favourable” and hoped he would “return in the couple of weeks”.

Allan Alaalatoa . (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Given the table-topping Brumbies have a bye this weekend, the two-time Super Rugby champions will need to beat the Crusaders in their final round to secure a top-two finish.

Even if they do beat the Crusaders, it’s likely they still won’t take out the minor premiership with the Chiefs to finish the regular season by hosting Moana Pasifika before a final-round clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

It’s why the Brumbies would be desperate to see their rock face the Crusaders because history shows the importance of a home semi-final.

Indeed, the Brumbies have lost four semi-finals on the bounce away from home, including three straight across the ditch.

It’s why Larkham has been at pains to emphasise how important a top-two finish is.

“We’ve spoken about how important it is to be the top of the table at the end of the season, give you sort of a good run through the finals,” he said earlier in the year.

Noah Lolesio is on track to take on the Crusaders. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

In better news, the Brumbies are expected to welcome back Luke Reimer (concussion) and Noah Lolesio (back) for their clash against the Crusaders.

“He’s (Lolesio) gone really well this week,” said Larkham following his side’s win on Saturday.

“He’s ticked everything off. He settled down nicely at the start of the week and then by the end of the week he was kicking, passing, off-the-deck stuff and running quite well, so hopefully he’s back training next week and we can look forward to the Crusaders.”

The Brumbies enjoyed their best crowd in years on Saturday, with 11,438 fans watching the Brumbies – a fixture that was helped by the double header, which included the Wallaroos’ win over the USA Eagles.

“It was a pretty entertaining game,” Larkham added.

“The pressure’s only going to be bigger now coming into the finals, so those games will require a lot of energy from our players. I certainly felt it out there, obviously buoyed by the Wallaroos beforehand.

“That atmosphere is great for the team and gives the boys a real boost on the field.”

Meanwhile, The Roar understands that the Reds are expected to welcome back Tom Lynagh (concussion) as well as incumbent Wallabies skipper Wilson for their clash against the Hurricanes on Friday night.

Wilson has missed the past five rounds with a broken arm but is on track to take on the Hurricanes, who are two points behind the Reds in fifth spot.

Harry Wilson is expected to return against the Hurricanes. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Josh Flook could be a chance to take on the Drua in their final round of the regular season.

But it’s believed Massimo De Luttis will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season with a dislocated wrist. His injury will stretch the Reds, who are running out of fit props with Test prop Alex Hodgman (neck) and Matt Gibbon no closer to a return.

Versatile Wallabies forward Seru Uru will also miss at least the next two weeks with a MCL injury he suffered against the Waratahs,