![“It’s disappointing for Joseph to miss a few games for us in the back end of the [season], but in terms of what’s ahead everyone can take a breath and relax a little bit," says NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd26phqdbpt0w91.cloudfront.net%2FNonVideo%2Ffa8871cb-c770-4eb3-b931-25418a9b432f.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The NSW Waratahs are rallying around Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who was sidelined with a fractured jaw and concussion in last Friday night’s bruising Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 loss against the Queensland Reds in Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
Suaalii was diagnosed with a minor jaw fracture on Monday after feeling discomfort following the NSW Waratahs 21-28 defeat.
But after the NSW Waratahs’ ‘Captain’s Run’ in Daceyville in preparation for this Friday night’s Round 14 fixture against the Crusaders at Allianz Stadium, Head Coach Dan McKellar spoke reassuringly about Suaalii's recovery.
“It’s a four-week injury, it looks like,” McKellar told the media.
“[It’s] disappointing from a Waratahs perspective; but all going well, and most of the time it does, he’s not going to be missing any Test matches or anything like that.”
“It’s disappointing for Joseph to miss a few games for us in the back end of the [season], but in terms of what’s ahead everyone can take a breath and relax a little bit.
Despite the setback, Suaalii is back in the gym and engaged with team processes.
“He’s been able to chew and eat, with a little bit of discomfort; but it wasn’t your typical fractured jaw where there is blood and clear separation,” McKellar said.
“It’s minor, with no re-wiring or anything that needs to occur that indicates it’s not a major fracture; but there is a fracture there and we need to look after him.
“He’s in the gym right now. He’s doing what needs to be done.
“If he walked in here, he’s talking and doing everything normally.
“We play a sport where it is collision-based and incredibly physical, and he’s got a wack … a little bit of ‘friendly fire.’ “
McKellar praised Queensland Reds winger Filipo Daugunu for his reaction after Suaalii’s collision with NSW Waratahs’ back Andrew Kellaway’s knee.
Daugunu, a former ACT Brumbies player under McKellar, stayed by Suaalii to ensure he received prompt medical attention rather than continue with the play.
“Enormous respect and gratitude towards Filippo,” McKellar said. “I spoke to Joseph’s parents on Saturday, and they were keen to get in touch with him.
“It says a lot about him. We go hammer and tong and it’s a physical contest for eighty minutes – and it certainly was physical on Friday night.
“But at the end of the day, we’re all human beings. No one wants to see anyone injured.
“The boys appreciated that [act] and no one more so than Joseph and his family.”
With Suaalii out, NSW Waratahs fans will see more of emerging back Darby Lancaster who will start against the Crusaders in Suaalii’s absence.
Lancaster will play on the left wing, with Kellaway moving to fullback for Suaalii.
The NSW Waratahs, eighth on the ladder, face a formidable challenge against the Crusaders who are third with three rounds to go before the finals.
The Crusaders lost twice to the NSW Waratahs last year; but McKellar regards Friday night’s encounter as a fresh contest.
“They’re a different team to what they were, this year; as are the Waratahs,” he said.
Friday’s clash is set to mark a milestone for playmaker Tane Edmed, who will earn his 50th cap for the NSW Waratahs in the game.
Likewise for NSW Waratahs lock Fergus Lee-Warner for whom the game will be his 50th in Super Rugby after earning 36 caps with the Western Force.
The game is also a “home farewell” for six departing NSW Waratahs, including the versatile forward Hugh Sinclair who has been selected in the bench.
The others are Langi Gleeson, Mahe Vailanu, Julian Heaven, Felix Kalapu and Rob Leota.
On Sinclair who debuted for the NSW Waratahs in 2019 and has captained the team, McKellar was emphatic in his praise, saying: “Hugh’s just a good man.
“He cares a lot about the team. He wanted to be part of the rebuild [when McKellar arrived] and has had an enormous contribution on-field and off-field.
“He is highly respected within the group. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but when he does talk to players, they listen.
“He has been a big part of not just the Waratahs, but NSW Rugby Union – his contribution to his club Norths … it’s a career that he can certainly be proud of.”
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
When: Friday, 16 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
For tickets to the game via Ticketek, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
