The Waratahs’ worst fears have been confirmed, with star centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii poised to spend the best part of two months on the sidelines.
Suaalii injured his hamstring in the warm-up before the Waratahs’ clash with the Hurricanes on Friday night in Sydney, a match NSW lost 59-19.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii during the Waratahs warm-up, prior to his injury.Credit: Getty Images
The Wallaby was sent for scans on Saturday after NSW coach Dan McKellar had foreshadowing a lengthy lay-off for the code’s highest-paid player.
The Waratahs released a statement on Sunday confirming Suaalii will be out of action for six to eight weeks.
“The NSW Waratahs can confirm that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up before Friday night’s match against the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium,” the statement said.
“Following results of a scan yesterday, the centre will now miss six to eight weeks of action.”
An eight-week lay-off would result in Suaalii returning in early May, potentially against the Highlanders in Dunedin on May 9. The Waratahs have four matches scheduled that month before the finals.
Even a six-week absence would rule Suaalii out for more than half of the Waratahs’ 11 remaining regular-season matches. It is the second season in a row where injury has affected his ability to play major minutes at Super Rugby level.
NSW’s next fixture is against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
More to come
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