According to a release by the Wallabies on Tuesday night, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out of the upcoming rematch against Japan in Townsville due to a minor hamstring injury, prompting a backline shuffle that includes Carter Gordon poised to return at five-eighth and young Queensland prop Massimo De Lutiis nearing a potential Test debut as the team’s 1000th player.
Backline Shuffle and Suaalii Injury Update
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii picked up his latest hamstring injury during the Wallabies’ three-point win in Osaka over the weekend, according to a release by the Wallabies on Tuesday night. This adds to a series of hamstring complaints that limited him to just six games for the Waratahs earlier in the year. Josh Flook has joined the squad as cover, while Len Ikitau (ankle) also injured. With Hunter Paisami wearing the No.12 in Japan and Isaac Henry debuted off the bench at outside centre, Suaalii had been pushed to the wing before this latest setback.
Did you know? Massimo De Lutiis is on track to become Wallaby No.1000 after Rugby Australia and Queensland successfully fended off attention from Ireland earlier in the year to re-sign the hulking tighthead prop.
Carter Gordon Recall and Squad Adjustments
Carter Gordon is set for a recall to the starting No.10 jersey for the Townsville clash, replacing Declan Meredith, who had an unhappy night in Osaka.
Wallaroos Coaching Appointment and Squad News
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out of the Japan rematch?
According to a release by the Wallabies, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii picked up a “minor” hamstring injury during the three-point win in Osaka at the weekend.
Who is set to become Wallaby No.1000?
Young Queensland prop Massimo De Lutiis is set to win a spot against the Brave Blossoms and become Wallaby No.1000.
When will Sione Fukofuka officially start as Wallaroos head coach?
Who has been named to cover the Wallabies backline?
Related reading