Toe injury rules out 'Ferrari' Suaalii for Waratahs

NEWS: The “Ferrari” has broken down, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii scratched from the Waratahs’ Super Rugby Pacific hosting of the Fijian Drua.

The superstar code-crosser will miss Friday night’s match at Allianz Stadium with a toe injury, while centre Joey Walton has also been ruled out with a groin strain.

Suaalii was a conspicuous absence from last Thursday’s opening training session at the Waratahs’ Sydney base, but coach Dan McKellar at the time insisted he was fine.

“Sometimes you’ve got to put the Ferraris in the garage,” McKellar said.

Six days on, McKellar broke the news that Suaalii wasn’t ready to face the Drua after initially suffering the injury in the Tahs’ round-one win over the Highlanders.

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

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

Andrew Kellaway will shift to fullback to cover for Suaalii, with fellow former Wallabies winger Darby Lancaster elevated from the bench to start.

Walton’s injury has led to Lalakai Foketi moving from outside to inside centre, while Henry O’Donnell will start at outside centre where Foketi started two weeks ago.

While O’Donnell will be making his Super debut, ex-Melbourne prop, and Wallabies squad member Isaac Kailea has been named to make his Waratahs debut from the bench.

The return of former Wallabies captain Liam Wright is one of six changes for the Queensland Reds’ side to face the unbeaten Western Force in Perth on Saturday night.

The flanker will return off the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Wallabies Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, and Angus Blyth have been installed in the tight five, while rookie Dre Pakeho comes in at inside centre to play his first Super Rugby Pacific match in place of the suspended Hunter Paisami.

Kiwi recruit Heremaia Murray, who played three times for the Crusaders last year, has replaced the injured Jock Campbell at fullback.

On the wing, Lachie Anderson gets the chance to start against the Force with Tim Ryan to be used as impact from the bench.

Coach Les Kiss praised the Reds’ depth after being forced to make so many enforced changes.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Jock to injury and Hunter to suspension but it’s great to have such backline options,” Kiss said.

“Dre’s maturity over the past 12 months and his preparation has been brilliant. The boys have confidence in him.

“Lachie Anderson has punch, power, and pace. It’s a chance for him.

“Heremaia has Super Rugby experience and is a very smart footballer.”

Former Australian schoolboys star Reesjan Pasitoa is set to make his long-awaited return for the Force after being named in the side’s 23-player team list.

Midfielder Pasitoa, who will be playing his first Super Rugby game in 1007 days after tearing an ACL and then suffering elbow and shoulder injuries, is one of two changes to the Force’s starting XV.

Veteran lock Sam Carter also comes into the starting side, with Sio Tomkinson and Jeremy Williams ruled out due to head injury protocols.

And in the only change for the Brumbies, flanker Rory Scott returns for Saturday’s showdown with the Chiefs in Hamilton after missing last week’s 45-42 loss to the Force with an ankle problem.