Australia have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Bledisloe Cup meetings with New Zealand after centre Hunter Paisami was suspended for four Test matches.
The 28-year-old was cited for a dangerous tackle on Springbok replacement flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during Australia’s dramatic 42-38 victory over South Africa in Perth.
The incident came in the 76th minute, with the Wallabies desperately defending their lead in a remarkable finish that saw Australia reduced to 11 players.
Paisami was one of four Australian players shown yellow cards during the final 11 minutes of the match.
Paisami’s suspension reduced at hearing
Paisami was initially handed a six-week suspension following his disciplinary hearing.
That sanction was subsequently reduced to four weeks after the committee took into account his recent disciplinary record, his conduct during the hearing and his remorse.
The final suspension means Paisami will miss Australia’s two upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests against the All Blacks, along with two additional Test matches.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss admitted he was disappointed by the length of the ban.
“I’ll be careful what I say because I might be fined,” Kiss said.
“But four weeks, I thought it could have been a little bit less than that, for sure.”
Kiss accepted that Australia must now adapt to Paisami’s absence.
“However, it’s what it is, and we’ll deal with the reality of it. We’ve got two Bledisloe games and some other games that we can put that [suspension] into play, but ultimately, he’s out, and we’ll have to deal with that.”
Wallabies face midfield selection headache
Paisami’s suspension could complicate Australia’s midfield planning, particularly with Reds teammate Len Ikitau also carrying an injury concern.
Kiss has already turned to Isaac Henry as one possible option, while Jordan Petaia could come into consideration in the midfield.
Joseph Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu also provide further possibilities.
Suaalii started on the wing against South Africa and played his part in Australia’s four-point victory, which ended with the Wallabies holding on despite their numerical disadvantage.
Australia must now find a new midfield combination as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup.
With Paisami unavailable, the Wallabies will have to reshuffle their backline while attempting to carry the momentum from their dramatic win over the Springboks into their next Test assignment.
