Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of their Bledisloe Cup double-header against the All Blacks, with centre Hunter Paisami suspended for four Test matches.
Paisami was cited following a dangerous tackle on Springbok replacement flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during Australia’s dramatic 42-38 victory over South Africa in Perth last Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 76th minute as the Wallabies held on for a memorable win over the world champions.
He was one of four Wallabies players to receive a yellow card in the final 11 minutes of the match which saw Australia reduced to 11 men.
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Hunter Paisami handed four-match ban
The 28-year-old was initially handed a six-week suspension following the disciplinary hearing.
However, the sanction was reduced by two weeks after the committee considered his recent disciplinary record, his conduct during the hearing and his remorse.
Paisami will consequently miss four Test matches, including Australia’s upcoming Bledisloe Cup encounters against New Zealand.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss admitted he was disappointed by the length of the suspension.
“I’ll be careful what I say because I might be fined,” Kiss said.
“But four weeks, I thought it could have been a little bit less than that, for sure.”
Kiss accepted that Australia would now have to move forward without one of their regular midfield options.
“However, it’s what it is, and we’ll deal with the reality of it. We’ve got two Bledisloe games and some other games that we can put that [suspension] into play, but ultimately, he’s out, and we’ll have to deal with that.”
Australia face midfield headache
Paisami’s suspension comes at an awkward time for Australia, with Reds team-mate Len Ikitau also facing an injury concern.
The Wallabies will therefore have to consider several combinations in midfield ahead of their meetings with New Zealand.
Kiss has already called on Isaac Henry, while Jordan Petaia could be considered for a return to the Wallabies midfield.
Joseph Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu are also options.
Suaalii featured on the wing against South Africa and impressed during Australia’s four-point victory.
The Wallabies will now turn their attention to the Bledisloe Cup, with Paisami unavailable as Australia attempt to build on the momentum generated by their dramatic victory over the Springboks.
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