In the wake of a thrilling 42-38 victory over South Africa in Perth, the Wallabies face a challenge in their midfield lineup as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks. Both Len Ikitau and Hunter Paisami, who played key roles in the center against the Springboks, may not be available for the upcoming match. Ikitau is dealing with an ankle injury, while Paisami faces a review for a tackle during the last game.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss expressed cautious optimism about Ikitau's recovery but confirmed the injury was being closely monitored. "It’s just an ankle," Kiss remarked. "We don’t know anything further other than that; we’re just going to be very precautionary with it now and just see where it is."
“It’s just an ankle. We don’t know anything further other than that; we’re just going to be very precautionary with it now and just see where it is.”
Paisami's situation complicates matters further for Australia. He has been cited for a late-game tackle on Springboks' fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, which initially earned him a yellow card. The incident is set to be reviewed by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee.
"For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the players must accept that foul play occurred, that the red card threshold was met, and the penalty proposed by the Committee," stated SANZAAR. A resolution on Paisami's availability is expected soon.
With potential gaps in the midfield, Kiss might look to Isaac Henry, who has previously played against Japan and Argentina, to step in. Additionally, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, who impressed as a winger against South Africa, could be considered for different positions. Kiss hinted at the flexibility Sua’ali’i offers. "I can play him at 15 too. I think tonight he found some good spaces; we could have got him to better spaces at times, but it suited that plan with the aerial battle," Kiss explained.
“I can play him at 15 too. I think tonight he found some good spaces; we could have got him to better spaces at times, but it suited that plan with the aerial battle.”
The Wallabies' performance against the Springboks, highlighted by the strategic shuffling of Sua’ali’i and the solid play of Ikitau and Paisami, may need to be recalibrated ahead of their test against New Zealand scheduled for October 10 at Eden Park. The potential reshuffling of the team poses both a challenge and an opportunity, as Australia looks to build on their recent success and adjust their lineup effectively against the formidable All Blacks.
Further updates on the availability of Ikitau and Paisami are keenly awaited as they will significantly influence the team dynamics and strategy for the upcoming high-stake match. The Wallabies' camp remains hopeful yet prepared to make the necessary tactical adjustments in light of these developments.
