Wallabies latest: Les Kiss suffers another crucial blow ahead of Japan rematch
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (pictured) has been ruled out of the Wallabies' upcoming meeting with Japan
The Wallabies have suffered another blow ahead of their upcoming meeting with Japan in Townsville, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out through injury.
Suaalii, who started Test One of the series against the Brave Blossoms, has been deemed unavailable for selection due to a minor hamstring issue.
This injury also delays the potential experiment to see him start on the wing, the position he ended last weekend’s 35-32 victory in.
Les Kiss suffers latest blow as Joseph Suaalii ruled out of Japan rematch
In his place, head coach Les Kiss has drafted in Queensland Reds centre Josh Flook, who is now in line for his first Test cap since the Wallabies played Japan last year.
“Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has picked up a minor hamstring strain playing against Japan in Osaka and won’t be available for selection for this weekend’s Test in Townsville,” a Wallabies statement read.
“Josh Flook will join the squad.”
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While the loss of Suaalii is a blow for their upcoming Test against Japan, any long-term concerns remain unconfirmed, leaving Kiss sweating ahead of their two-Test series against Argentina in September.
The NSW Waratahs man has already struggled with hamstring issues this season, missing three months of action between February and May before reinjuring himself just two games into his return. As a result, he only featured five times for the ‘Tahs in Super Rugby Pacific.
Les Kiss reflects on debut Wallabies win over Japan: ‘When we had to find a way, we did find a way’
Further squad changes
Suaalii is not the only change the head coach will now need to make from last weekend’s starting XV, with forward Miles Amatosero handed a three-match suspension. The lock was shown a straight red card for a clearout of Warner Dearns in the first-half of their 35-32 win.
Elsewhere, Kiss has also bolstered his squad with the addition of Exeter Chiefs forward Tom Hooper, who returns to the Test picture after missing the Nations Championship through a shoulder injury.
The Wallabies boss will name his extended 23-man squad for Test Two of the series against the Brave Blossoms later this week, ahead of their meeting in Townsville on Saturday (August 15).
