Australia’s high-profile recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has suffered a suspected broken wrist in the Test against Scotland, likely ending his season.
Suaalii got into grief half an hour into the match when he made a bit hit on Scotland’s Aussie-born skipper Sione Tuipulotu.
The tackle jolted his opposing centre but left the former Roosters NRL star motionless on the ground gripping his right wrist as play continued.
When there was a break in play Suaalii and Tuipulotu shared some angry words before the Aussie made his way to the stands and was replaced by Max Jorgensen.
“Oh, it was a shocking one, wasn’t it?” said Tim Horan on Stan Sport.
“It was a good shot too on the 12. Tuipulotu came across inside and then you just saw him hold. As soon as he made the hit, his right wrist, he held it up.
“You thought it might have been a stinger early on with his right shoulder. And then straight away he went off and Tuipulotu had a bit of a laugh to him.
“But that’s huge. If he’s got a broken arm or broken wrist, that’s eight to ten weeks at least. That’s probably his season over.”
Australia have one more Test after this on their northern tour – against Ireland.
The blow was the latest to hit the Aussie touring squad. Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook, who were named in the Australia XV team, have been called into the Wallabies squad and Stewart shapes as a strong chance to take the No.12 jersey against the Irish. Hunter Paisami missed the tour due to a calf injury.
Australia lost hooker Matt Faessler to a calf strain in the lead up to the game, while Jeremy Williams was a match day withdrawal due to illness.
Tuipulotu, who played for Australia at under age level, scored the only try of the first half, powering over at the back of a lineout as his grandmother celebrated in the stands.
