Huge news drops after Suaalii injury

The Wallabies could yet have code-hopping star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the team to play Ireland in the final match of the UK tour after he was cleared of a broken wrist.

Suaalii, who signed the most lucrative contract in Australian rugby history, was left wounded after handing out a big hit on Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu, the Melbourne-born former junior Wallaby who was inspirational in his team’s 27-13 win that halted Australia’s UK winning streak.

Amid serious concerns about Suaalii’s wrist, after he walked from the field in Edinburgh, coach Joe Schmidt tried to downplay fears of a more serious injury and subsequent tests delivered the relieving news.

“After making a tackle yesterday Joseph Suaalii lost function and had severe pain in his right arm and was substituted,” a statement from the Wallabies camp said.

“Since full time and after travelling with the team to Ireland, his function is returning and pain is subsiding. He was medically reviewed post-game and there is no evidence of a fracture and will be monitored throughout the week.”

Suaalii’s loss in the opening half in Edinburgh proved pivotal as the Wallabies’ chance of winning the grand slam for the first time since 1984 evaporated.

In more positive news, Jeremy Williams also travelled with the side and is recovering positively from illness that ruled him out of the loss to Scotland.