Latest news with #Joseph-AukusoSuaalii
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Waratahs play the long game after missing Super finals
Ever the pragmatist, Dan McKellar admits there's no quick fix for his NSW Waratahs after the competition's perennial under-achievers endured a humiliating end to their Super Rugby Pacific season. A record-breaking 46-6 loss to the defending champion Blues on Saturday night left the Waratahs heading to Auckland airport with their tails between their legs and out of the finals for a second straight season. The Waratahs were without a raft of experienced and classy players, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, skipper Jake Gordon and flankers Rob Leota and Charlie Gamble. And it showed as two-time world player of the year Beauden Barrett and hat-trick hero Rieke Ioane delivered masterclasses at Eden Park to put the Tahs to the sword. "We're a little bit undermanned and a pretty young group, especially within our backline, and up against some world-class players," McKellar said."There'll be plenty of learnings for us out of tonight. We were beaten in all areas of the game."Reflecting on the season, which included the club's best start since 2009 with three straight wins, and victories over the benchmark Brumbies and minor premiers the Chiefs, McKellar remained focused on the long game. "We've certainly made progress, and it's how you measure progress," the coach said."So there's significant change for this, for a new playing group, new coaching group, and a new way of doing things."There have been a lot of adjustments, and I've got a vision for the organisation, and it's going to take time."It will take time to make the change that you want to make because you can put Band-Aids on things and come up with quick solutions."But is that going to set us up for sustainable success? So, there's a lot of work to be done. "I've said many times, there's going to be some good days and there's going to be some tough days - and today was another tough one." The Waratahs' exit leaves the Brumbies and Queensland Reds to fly the Australian flag in the finals. The fifth-placed Reds travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Friday night, before the third-placed Brumbies host the fourth-placed Hurricanes in Canberra on Saturday. The Chiefs are home to the sixth-placed Blues in Waikato on Saturday night. The three winners plus the highest-ranked losing team will advance to the semi-finals. Ever the pragmatist, Dan McKellar admits there's no quick fix for his NSW Waratahs after the competition's perennial under-achievers endured a humiliating end to their Super Rugby Pacific season. A record-breaking 46-6 loss to the defending champion Blues on Saturday night left the Waratahs heading to Auckland airport with their tails between their legs and out of the finals for a second straight season. The Waratahs were without a raft of experienced and classy players, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, skipper Jake Gordon and flankers Rob Leota and Charlie Gamble. And it showed as two-time world player of the year Beauden Barrett and hat-trick hero Rieke Ioane delivered masterclasses at Eden Park to put the Tahs to the sword. "We're a little bit undermanned and a pretty young group, especially within our backline, and up against some world-class players," McKellar said."There'll be plenty of learnings for us out of tonight. We were beaten in all areas of the game."Reflecting on the season, which included the club's best start since 2009 with three straight wins, and victories over the benchmark Brumbies and minor premiers the Chiefs, McKellar remained focused on the long game. "We've certainly made progress, and it's how you measure progress," the coach said."So there's significant change for this, for a new playing group, new coaching group, and a new way of doing things."There have been a lot of adjustments, and I've got a vision for the organisation, and it's going to take time."It will take time to make the change that you want to make because you can put Band-Aids on things and come up with quick solutions."But is that going to set us up for sustainable success? So, there's a lot of work to be done. "I've said many times, there's going to be some good days and there's going to be some tough days - and today was another tough one." The Waratahs' exit leaves the Brumbies and Queensland Reds to fly the Australian flag in the finals. The fifth-placed Reds travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Friday night, before the third-placed Brumbies host the fourth-placed Hurricanes in Canberra on Saturday. The Chiefs are home to the sixth-placed Blues in Waikato on Saturday night. The three winners plus the highest-ranked losing team will advance to the semi-finals. Ever the pragmatist, Dan McKellar admits there's no quick fix for his NSW Waratahs after the competition's perennial under-achievers endured a humiliating end to their Super Rugby Pacific season. A record-breaking 46-6 loss to the defending champion Blues on Saturday night left the Waratahs heading to Auckland airport with their tails between their legs and out of the finals for a second straight season. The Waratahs were without a raft of experienced and classy players, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, skipper Jake Gordon and flankers Rob Leota and Charlie Gamble. And it showed as two-time world player of the year Beauden Barrett and hat-trick hero Rieke Ioane delivered masterclasses at Eden Park to put the Tahs to the sword. "We're a little bit undermanned and a pretty young group, especially within our backline, and up against some world-class players," McKellar said."There'll be plenty of learnings for us out of tonight. We were beaten in all areas of the game."Reflecting on the season, which included the club's best start since 2009 with three straight wins, and victories over the benchmark Brumbies and minor premiers the Chiefs, McKellar remained focused on the long game. "We've certainly made progress, and it's how you measure progress," the coach said."So there's significant change for this, for a new playing group, new coaching group, and a new way of doing things."There have been a lot of adjustments, and I've got a vision for the organisation, and it's going to take time."It will take time to make the change that you want to make because you can put Band-Aids on things and come up with quick solutions."But is that going to set us up for sustainable success? So, there's a lot of work to be done. "I've said many times, there's going to be some good days and there's going to be some tough days - and today was another tough one." The Waratahs' exit leaves the Brumbies and Queensland Reds to fly the Australian flag in the finals. The fifth-placed Reds travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Friday night, before the third-placed Brumbies host the fourth-placed Hurricanes in Canberra on Saturday. The Chiefs are home to the sixth-placed Blues in Waikato on Saturday night. The three winners plus the highest-ranked losing team will advance to the semi-finals.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wallaby Suaalii in race to face Lions with broken jaw
Australia's code-crossing star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is to have surgery to fix a fractured jaw, putting the 21-year-old under pressure to be fit for the British and Irish Lions tour. Suaalii was concussed in a collision with Waratah's team-mate Andrew Kellaway during their defeat by Queensland Reds on Friday. It was then found that he had a "small, undisplaced fracture" which needed an operation. Suaalii is likely to be sidelined for at least four weeks. "This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph. We wish him all the best in his recovery and return to full health," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. "We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies." The Waratahs' Super Rugby campaign is set to end during Suaalii's absence with only three rounds of the regular season remaining and play-off qualification only a distant possibility. The utility back, who made his debut in professional rugby union in Australia's win over England in November, could potentially make a return to action in the Wallabies' warm-up Test against Fiji on 6 July, or the Waratahs' own match against the Lions the day before. The three-Test series between the Lions and Australia begins in Brisbane on 19 July. Suaalii was signed from rugby league's Sydney Roosters last year in a three-year deal worth a reported 5.35m Australian dollars (£2.6m). While he has continued to impress in his appearances in union, his progress has been checked by injuries, with a toe complaint causing him to miss four Super Rugby matches Australia coach Joe Schmidt also has injury concerns over first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio, who suffered a back injury last weekend and is a doubt for the tourists' visit. Listen: Sport's Strangest Crimes - Bloodgate Listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Jaw surgery leaves Suaalii's Lions status in limbo
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw, placing him in doubt for the Wallabies' blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel. The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Friday's loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab. The 21-year-old was concussed, but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot. But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw. A review in four weeks - about one month before the three-Test series begins in Brisbane on July 19 - will determine his return-to-play time frame. There are three Super Rugby regular-season games remaining before a three-week finals series. The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he'd even played a game for the Waratahs, and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres. Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said he'd prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool. "I'm keen to see him keep playing," he said. "He's missed a few games already this season. He hasn't had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it's important that he just keep playing when he's fit and available to play." The setback adds to a pile of injury concerns, with flyhalf contenders Tom Lynagh (concussion) and Noah Lolesio (back) both key omissions for the Reds and ACT Brumbies, who play each other on Saturday. The Reds are also carrying Test skipper Harry Wilson (arm) and contenders Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright and Seru Uru on their injury list. Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen (ankle), in-form Western Force back-rower Carlo Tizzano (pectoral) and winger Dylan Pietsch (quad) are also nursing wounds. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw, placing him in doubt for the Wallabies' blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel. The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Friday's loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab. The 21-year-old was concussed, but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot. But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw. A review in four weeks - about one month before the three-Test series begins in Brisbane on July 19 - will determine his return-to-play time frame. There are three Super Rugby regular-season games remaining before a three-week finals series. The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he'd even played a game for the Waratahs, and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres. Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said he'd prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool. "I'm keen to see him keep playing," he said. "He's missed a few games already this season. He hasn't had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it's important that he just keep playing when he's fit and available to play." The setback adds to a pile of injury concerns, with flyhalf contenders Tom Lynagh (concussion) and Noah Lolesio (back) both key omissions for the Reds and ACT Brumbies, who play each other on Saturday. The Reds are also carrying Test skipper Harry Wilson (arm) and contenders Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright and Seru Uru on their injury list. Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen (ankle), in-form Western Force back-rower Carlo Tizzano (pectoral) and winger Dylan Pietsch (quad) are also nursing wounds. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw, placing him in doubt for the Wallabies' blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel. The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Friday's loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab. The 21-year-old was concussed, but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot. But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw. A review in four weeks - about one month before the three-Test series begins in Brisbane on July 19 - will determine his return-to-play time frame. There are three Super Rugby regular-season games remaining before a three-week finals series. The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he'd even played a game for the Waratahs, and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres. Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said he'd prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool. "I'm keen to see him keep playing," he said. "He's missed a few games already this season. He hasn't had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it's important that he just keep playing when he's fit and available to play." The setback adds to a pile of injury concerns, with flyhalf contenders Tom Lynagh (concussion) and Noah Lolesio (back) both key omissions for the Reds and ACT Brumbies, who play each other on Saturday. The Reds are also carrying Test skipper Harry Wilson (arm) and contenders Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright and Seru Uru on their injury list. Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen (ankle), in-form Western Force back-rower Carlo Tizzano (pectoral) and winger Dylan Pietsch (quad) are also nursing wounds.
7NEWS
14-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in need of surgery and in doubt for Wallabies' blockbuster series with Lions
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw that's placed him in doubt for the Wallabies' blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel. The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Saturday's loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab. The 21-year-old was concussed but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot. But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw. A review in four weeks will then determine a return-to-play time frame, leaving the supreme talent in massive doubt ahead of the much-hyped three-Test series that begins in Brisbane on July 19. The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. 'We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies,' Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he'd even played a game for the Waratahs and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres. Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said that he'd prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool. 'I'm keen to see him keep playing,' he said. 'He's missed a few games already this season. 'He hasn't had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it's important that he just keep playing when he's fit and available to play.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fresh Suaalii injury blow leaves Lions status in limbo
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on a fractured jaw that's placed him in doubt for the Wallabies' blockbuster British and Irish Lions duel. The code-hopping NSW Waratahs star copped an accidental knee from a teammate in Saturday's loss to the Queensland Reds and was carted from Allianz Stadium in a medicab. The 21-year-old was concussed but there was optimism he would miss just one week as the Waratahs pushed for a Super Rugby Pacific finals spot. But on Wednesday the Waratahs revealed their star NRL convert required surgery to reinforce a fractured jaw. A review in four weeks will then determine a return-to-play time frame, leaving the supreme talent in massive doubt ahead of the much-hyped three-Test series that begins in Brisbane on July 19. Look away @NSWWaratahs and @wallabies fans 😨↳ Super Rugby Pacific. Every Match. Live & On Demand. #StanSportAU #SuperRugbyPacific — Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) May 9, 2025 The Wallabies begin their Test season against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said. Suaalii made a statement in his Test debut last year before he'd even played a game for the Waratahs and has since flourished playing both at fullback and in the centres. Speaking on Monday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said that he'd prefer not to wrap Suaalii in cotton wool. "I'm keen to see him keep playing," he said. "He's missed a few games already this season. He hasn't had that many games anyway so, for Joseph, it's important that he just keep playing when he's fit and available to play."
