Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to miss Waratahs clash with Fijian Drua through injury
Superstar NRL convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been sidelined for the NSW Waratahs after being injured in the opening round of the Super Rugby season.
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The Waratahs have suffered a major blow in the lead-up to their clash against Fijian Drua with superstar fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out with injury.
Suaalii has a toe injury and has been withdrawn from the side, with Andrew Kellaway shifting to fullback to cover the absence.
Inside centre Joey Walton is also injured, which sees Lalakai Foketi shift in one place to inside centre, and form a new midfield pairing with Henry O’Donnell.
Suaalii’s loss is a major blow for NSW, who had the bye last weekend after their last-minute win over the Highlanders in round one, during which the former NRL star was injured.
There is no guarantee Suaalii will be fit in time for their round four game against the high-flying Western Force.
“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven’t got all the details yet, but hopefully that’s short term,” Tahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“He pulled up sore but recovered quite well and we thought he would be right for this week, but unfortunately he is not.”
Darby Lancaster has been elevated from the bench where he played from in round one to start on the left wing, while Triston Reilly, who featured for the NSW Waratahs ‘A’s in their win over the Brumbies Runners last Saturday, has been selected on the bench.
O’Donnell will be one of two players set to make their debuts for NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific.
The other debutant will be Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea who has been named on the bench.
“Joey hurt his groin in the game against the Highlanders; so, he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks,” McKellar said.
McKellar added the selection of his team reflected the rich depth of choice he has to cover for such scenarios.
“We have depth in the back three,“ McKellar said.
“We put ‘Kells’ back to full-back, gave Darby Lancaster a start on the wing, and Triston Reilly comes off the bench, and then Henry O’Donnell to start and make his debut.
“Henry is a born and bred New South Welshman, loves the Waratahs. This is his home state, so he’s excited. It’ll be a great day for him and his family.
“It will also be great for Isaac [Kailea] to come into the group.
“Has experience at Test level, played well for the Rebels last year. We’re excited with Isaac and with what he can bring off the bench.”
Originally published as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to miss Waratahs clash with Fijian Drua through injury
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