Latest on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s injury as Waratahs prep for Brumbies

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar expects Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to suit up in sky blue next week against the Hurricanes in Wellington, but Rugby Australia’s big-money recruit won’t take the field against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday night.

Suaalii received Player of the Match honours on debut for the Wallabies last year against England, and the former NRL flyer later impressed for the Waratahs in their season-opening win over the Highlanders at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

But, the one-time New South Wales State of Origin winger and Rugby League World Cup finalist hasn’t taken the field in Super Rugby Pacific. Suaalii has been sidelined with a toe injury, only recently returning to training with the Tahs.

While it’s not the update Waratahs fans would’ve wanted to hear ahead of Saturday’s Aussie derby, there is light at the end of the tunnel with the youngster a chance of taking the field in a little over one week in Windy Wellington.

“Joseph is back training, but he’s only had one full session with the team,” McKellar said.

“It wouldn’t be fair to throw him in at this stage as he still needs more load in his training before being match-ready.

“He’ll continue to build over the next couple of weeks and should be available for selection against the Hurricanes.”

Tahs coach McKellar has only made the one change to the starting side for the Brumbies match, with Wallaby Langi Gleeson returning to the No. 8 slot after coming off the bench during the heavy 35-15 loss to the Queensland Reds in round five

Former Australia U20 captain and Australian sevens representative Teddy Wilson has been retained at scrum-half, with captain Jake Gordon out injured. Wilson will link up with Lawson Creighton for the second match in a row, while Wallaby Tane Edmed remains on the bench.

“Langi came off the bench last week and made a real impact,” McKellar explained.

“Leafi showed a lot of promise in his first start and continues to develop, but given the physical nature of this game, Langi was the obvious choice to start.

“Teddy did well last week and is gaining valuable experience at scrum-half.

“This is a great opportunity for him to continue developing his game at this level.”

Angus bell, David Porecki and Taniela Tupou are once again the three front rowers for the Tahs, while former Hurricane Ben Grant joins captain Hugh Sinclair in the second row. Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble and Gleeson are the three loose forwards.

Outside of Wilson and Creighton, Joey Walton and Henry O’Donnell are back in the midfield, while Max Jorgensen and Triston Reilly are the two wingers. Wallaby Andrew Kellaway also holds onto the No. 15 jersey out the back as the starting fullback.

This match in Sydney is scheduled to kick off at 7:35 pm AEST on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

25

33

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Waratahs team to take on Brumbies

1. Loosehead Prop                          Angus Bell (Sydney University)
2. Hooker                                         David Porecki (Manly)
3. Tighthead Prop                            Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)
4. Left Lock                                      Hugh Sinclair (c)  (Northern Suburbs)
5. Right Lock                                    Ben Grant (Sydney University
6. Left Flanker                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)
7. Right Flanker                               Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)
8. Number Eight                              Langi Gleeson (Manly)
9. Scrumhalf                                    Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)
10. Flyhalf                                        Lawson Creighton (Randwick)
11. Left Wing                                   Max Jorgensen (Randwick)
12. Inside Centre                             Joey Walton (Gordon)
13. Outside Centre                          Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
14. Right Wing                                 Triston Reilly (Randwick)
15. Fullback                                     Andrew Kellaway (Randwick)

Replacements
16. Reserve                                      Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)
17. Reserve                                      Isaac Kailea (Randwick)
18. Reserve                                      Daniel Botha (Sydney University)
19. Reserve                                      Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)
20. Reserve                                      Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)
21. Reserve                                      Leafi Talataina
22. Reserve                                      Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)
23. Reserve                                      Tane Edmed (Eastwood)