Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out of Waratahs’ clash with Drua

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out of this week's clash with the Fijian Drua after suffering a toe injury during the NSW Waratahs’ thrilling one-point win over the Highlanders a fortnight ago.

Suaalii has not been named in the Tahs’ team to take on the Fijian Drua in Sydney this week.

Josey Walton also drops out of the matchday 23 with a groin injury. It’s a big blow for the Tahs ahead of their second match of the Super Rugby Pacific season, but coach Dan McKellar has full belief in the squad’s depth ahead of the third-round clash.

Wallaby Andrew Kellaway shifts back to fullback from the left wing, while Darby Lancaster has been promoted to the team’s starting side for the first time. Northern Suburbs’ Henry O’Donnell will debut at outside centre, while Triston Reilly comes off the bench.

The injury to Walton has prompted a shift in the midfield with Lalakai Foketi set to wear the No. 12 jersey at Allianz Stadium. It’s a new-look backline but one that still boasts plenty of flair, even without the likes of marquee recruit Suaalii.

“Joey hurt his groin in the game against the Highlanders; so, he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks,” McKellar said in a statement.

“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven’t got all the details yet, but hopefully that’s short term.

“He pulled up sore but recovered quite well and we thought he would be right for this week, but unfortunately he is not.”

Angus Bell joins David Porecki and Taniela Tupou in an unchanged front-row, while Hugh Sinclair and Miles Amatosero round out the tight five. Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, and Langi Gleeson will link up once again as the loose forwards.

Captain Jake Gordon joins Tane Edmed in the halves, with Foketi and O’Donnell outside the pair in the midfield. Then there’s the outside backs combination of wingers Lancaster and Max Jorgensen, with Kellaway out the back.

“We have depth in the back three,” McKellar added.

“We put ‘Kells’ back to fullback, gave Darby Lancaster a start on the wing, and Triston Reilly comes off the bench, and then Henry O’Donnell to start and make his debut.”

Waratahs team to take on Fijian Drua

Starting side

1. Loosehead Prop                          Angus Bell (Sydney University)

2. Hooker                                         David Porecki (Manly)

3. Tighthead Prop                            Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)

4. Left Lock                                      Hugh Sinclair (Northern Suburbs)

5. Right Lock                                    Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)

6. Left Flanker                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)

7. Right Flanker                                Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)

8. Number Eight                                Langi Gleeson (Manly)

9. Scrumhalf                                     Jake Gordon © (Sydney University)

10. Flyhalf                                         Tane Edmed (Eastwood)

11. Left Wing                                     Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)

12. Inside Centre                              Lalakai Foketi (Manly)

13. Outside Centre                            Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)

14. Right Wing                                  Max Jorgensen (Randwick)

15. Fullback                                      Andrew Kellaway (Randwick)

Replacements

16. Reserve                                      Mahe Vailanu (Gordon)

17. Reserve                                      Isaac Kailea (Randwick)

18. Reserve                                      Siosifa Amone (Northern Suburbs)

19. Reserve                                      Ben Grant (Sydney University)

20. Reserve                                      Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)

21. Reserve                                      Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)

22. Reserve                                      Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)

23. Reserve                                      Triston Reilly (Randwick)