Wallabies hitman Hunter Paisami has been suspended for four games and will miss the Bledisloe Cup series.
The Wallabies centre was banned for his head clash high shot on South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Sunday, which earned him a yellow card in Australia’s dramatic 42-38 win.
Paisami was charged and pled guilty but had a six-game ban downgraded to four due to “mitigating factors, his record, conduct and remorse” according to the disciplinary committee.
But fears of a midfield crisis have been somewhat eased with Jordan Petaia staying in Australia and Len Ikitau still a chance to line up against the All Blacks.
After extending their unbeaten streak to six tests by taming the Springboks, there was real concern that Kiss would have to name a brand-new centre pairing for their October 10 showdown with the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Petaia got permission from Urayasu D-Rocks to stay with the Wallabies while Ikitau could also still take the field in Auckland after limping off the pitch at Optus Stadium.
The reigning John Eales Medallist suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury that saw him miss Australia’s first three tests under Kiss.
Ikitau will have a fitness test on Friday which could determine whether he takes any part in the Bledisloe series.
In-form Reds lock Josh Canham, who is enjoying a breakout season, is long odds to feature in the opening Bledisloe test after being ruled out for Perth with a hamstring injury.
Versatile Queensland Reds back Filipo Daugunu has been recalled, while Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Jordan Petaia are other midfield options.
Wallabies Coach Les Kiss says Suaalii is one option, and also Isaac Henry, sitting there as well.
Kiss says Daugunu covers the midfield and he covers the wing position as well, so they have got some readily-made replacements there for sure.
Brumbies second-rower Nick Frost has been added to the squad as injury cover.
Despite the Wallabies’ promising recent form, Kiss’ side will fly to Auckland on Sunday as massive outsiders with the All Blacks unbeaten in 53 tests at Eden Park.
The Wallabies also haven’t beaten the All Blacks in 11 tests, with their last win coming in Brisbane in 2020 under Dave Rennie’s watch.
Wallabies squad
Forwards: Harry Wilson (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams.
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.
The All Blacks host the Wallabies at Eden Park next Saturday at 7.10pm.
Source: stuff.co.nz
