Super Rugby Teams: Tahs star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii won’t play against Brumbies due to injury

Australian rugby’s high-profile signing, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, will remain on the sideline as the Waratahs touched on the star’s injury battle and return to play schedule.

The Waratahs have resisted the temptation to rush back injured superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for their crunch match against the Brumbies this Saturday, while the bulk of forwards who allowed Queensland to run rampant have been given a second chance by coach Dan McKellar.

There is only one change to the starting side from the team that fell 35-15 to the Reds in Brisbane last Saturday, as Wallabies backrower Langi Gleeson returns to the starting side, having come off the bench, with Leafi Talataina returning to the reserves.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have been bolstered by the return of powerhouse backrower Rob Valetini, who plays his first Super Rugby game of the year at Allianz Stadium.

It was believed Suaalii, who injured his toe against the Highlanders in round one, could return in time for the Brumbies clash but McKellar has opted for caution.

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

Joseph Suaalii remains sidelined due to injury. Picture: Getty

“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 (on Friday week).”

It robs fans of a showdown between Suaalii and Brumbies ace Tom Wright, as the pair battle for the Wallabies’ No.15 jersey for the British & Irish Lions series.

While Suaalii made his Test debut at outside centre late last year and Wright is the incumbent Wallabies fullback, McKellar has indicated he’ll give the $5 million NRL recruit a prolonged stint at fullback for NSW.

For now, Andrew Kellaway holds the No.15 spot for the Tahs.

Suaalii has been limited in his time on the field this season. Picture: Getty

McKellar has dropped reserve props Tom Lambert and Siosifa Amone for this game, bringing in Wallabies loose-head Isaac Kailea and tight-head Daniel Botha on a 6-2 bench.

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

“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.

“Daniel (Botha) has been working hard under (NSW set piece coach) Dan Palmer and has shown significant improvement in his scrum work.

“This will be a big contest up front, and he deserves this opportunity.”

Andrew Kellaway (R) has kept the Tahs No.15 jersey for another week. Picture: Getty

Halfback Teddy Wilson, who made his starting debut last weekend, has held his spot, with Jack Grant on the bench.

“Teddy did well last week and is gaining valuable experience at scrumhalf,” McKellar said.

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

For the Brumbies, Valetini is a huge boost having missed the opening five rounds with a hamstring tear, and he is one of four changes to the team following last Friday’s 38-21 win over the Fijian Drua at GIO Stadium.

He is set to take to the field at No.8, with Cadeyrn Neville (lock), Luke Reimer (openside flanker) and Ollie Sapsford (inside centre) the other changes in personnel

Head coach Stephen Larkham said: “It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side. He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team.

“We’re looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard. They’ve made a strong start to the season, despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend.

“Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals.”

The Waratahs haven’t beaten the Brumbies in 13 attempts since 2018, including eight straight matches at home.

Meanwhile, NSW Waratahs have bolstered their squad by signing scrumhalf Michael McDonald as injury cover for Jake Gordon, who remains sidelined with a medial ligament injury.

McDonald, a former NSW Waratahs player who has been released from Ulster for a short-term contract, will provide depth to the squad in the No.9 position.

“Jake is a week-by-week proposition, and we’ll monitor his recovery closely,” McKellar said.

“Bringing Michael in gives us added experience and security at scrumhalf, while we navigate this period.”

Originally published as Super Rugby Teams: Tahs star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii won’t play against Brumbies due to injury