Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the Waratahs’ young star, faces a challenging recovery period after sustaining a fractured jaw during a recent Super Rugby match against the Reds. The injury, initially misdiagnosed as a concussion, was discovered several days later, necessitating a minor surgical procedure to reinforce the jaw. This unfortunate turn of events means that Suaalii’s season with the Waratahs is officially over, raising concerns about his availability for the Wallabies’ first Test against the British and Irish Lions on July 19, just 67 days away.
The Waratahs announced that Suaalii would undergo surgery and would be evaluated four weeks post-operation, potentially allowing him to return to play by mid-June. This timeline runs parallel to significant upcoming matches, including the Super Rugby final on June 21 and the start of the Lions’ tour, with their first fixture in Australia against the Western Force occurring a week later.
Suaalii suffered the injury in a worrying incident during the match, where he was knocked unconscious after colliding with the knee of his teammate, Andrew Kellaway. While initial assessments suggested no serious structural damage, further tests confirmed a small, undisplaced jaw fracture that prompted the need for surgery.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar expressed disappointment over the diagnosis but committed to supporting Suaalii’s recovery in collaboration with Rugby Australia to ensure he is in optimal condition for the national team. Former rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has also shared his insights, suggesting that Suaalii should focus on maintaining his physical play style once fit, possibly shifting to the fullback position to reduce defensive risks.
The situation remains fluid as the rugby community anticipates Suaalii’s recovery and potential return to the field, where his skills are expected to contribute significantly to the Wallabies in the future.