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Australia

Paisami to appeal four-match ban as Wallabies face centre crisis before Eden Park Test

Kiss could field untested midfield pairing; Ikitau fitness remains in doubt

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Wallabies coach Les Kiss could be forced to field an untested centre pairing in October's Bledisloe Cup series after Hunter Paisami received a four-match suspension for his high tackle against South Africa last Sunday. The Reds centre will appeal the decision at a SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee hearing on Wednesday night.

Paisami will contest the ban at the SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee hearing on Wednesday night, and if the appeal is unsuccessful, Jock Campbell will join the squad in his place.

The centre was yellow-carded in the 75th minute of the Wallabies' four-point win over South Africa in Perth, becoming the fourth and final Wallaby sent to the sin bin by referee Andrea Piardi. World Rugby's regulations list sanctions of two matches for low-end dangerous tackles, six for mid-range offences and 10 or more for high-end offences.

The Wallabies will take on New Zealand on October 10 at Eden Park, hoping to end the All Blacks' 53-game unbeaten run at the stadium. If the appeal fails, Paisami could serve some of his ban during October's two-match Australia A tour.

Len Ikitau has been named in the squad to face New Zealand despite hurting his ankle in Sunday's Test. A scan on Monday eliminated fears of serious damage, and there is cautious optimism the star centre could play some role in the Bledisloe Cup series. If Ikitau is not fit for the Eden Park Test, the Wallabies would be left with an unproven midfield combination.

Back-rower Toby Macpherson has been called into his first Wallabies squad after showing strong form in Super Rugby AUS for the ACT Brumbies. The 22-year-old played 13 Super Rugby games for the Brumbies last season after starting his professional career with a stint at Toyota Verblitz in Japan.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park pits them against history: the All Blacks have won 53 straight Tests at the venue
  • Paisami's suspension removes a first-choice centre from the squad and could force an unproven midfield against New Zealand
  • Selection depth is under scrutiny with both Paisami's appeal and Ikitau's ankle unresolved ahead of the October 10 Test

Background

The Bledisloe Cup is the annual trans-Tasman series between Australia and New Zealand and one of rugby union's oldest rivalries. Eden Park in Auckland has long been a formidable home ground for the All Blacks, who are unbeaten there in their past 53 Tests. World Rugby's disciplinary framework sets graduated sanctions for dangerous tackles, with entry points of two matches for low-end offences, six for mid-range and 10 or more for high-end.

Key Perspectives

Wallabies coach Les Kiss: He faces a selection squeeze in midfield, with the appeal outcome and Ikitau's fitness both unresolved as the squad prepares for Eden Park. Hunter Paisami: The centre is contesting the four-match sanction in the hope of having it reduced or served in a way that allows him to feature in the Bledisloe Cup series. SANZAAR's disciplinary committee: The hearing will judge whether the severity of the tackle supports the four-match ban, which sits between the two-match low-end and six-match mid-range tariffs in World Rugby's regulations. Squad depth contenders: Jock Campbell is the direct replacement if the appeal fails, while Toby Macpherson has earned a first Wallabies call-up on the back of Brumbies form.

What to Watch

  • The SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee's decision at Wednesday night's hearing, and whether the ban is reduced or upheld
  • Len Ikitau's ankle progress as the Wallabies finalise their centre pairing before the October 10 Test
  • How much of any suspension Paisami could serve during the Australia A tour in October

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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