Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was stretchered off Allianz Stadium following a serious collision with his NSW Waratahs teammate Andrew Kellaway during a Super Rugby match against the Queensland Reds. The incident occurred as Suaalii aimed to halt a Reds attack; he was struck on the head by Kellaway’s knee and appeared to be knocked out instantly. After a lengthy pause filled with concern, he was placed in a neck brace and transported on a medicab, despite giving a thumbs up to the crowd as he left the field.
Later reports revealed that he was cleared of serious neck injuries but diagnosed with a category one concussion. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar indicated that there was no significant damage to Suaalii’s neck or jaw. Meanwhile, Darby Lancaster took Suaalii’s place on the field.
Despite Suaalii’s unfortunate exit, the Reds emerged victorious with a 28-21 win. The match featured an intense back-and-forth dynamic, with tries from both teams keeping the score tight. Highlights included attempts from NSW’s Henry O’Donnell and Jake Gordon, countered by Queensland’s Tate McDermott and Richie Asiata. The decisive try was scored by Lachie Anderson, assisted by a well-placed kick from Filipo Daugunu.
The defeat left the Waratahs’ season in jeopardy, sitting ninth on the ladder, while the Reds secured their fourth position. Next week, the Waratahs will face the higher-ranked Crusaders, although they will likely be without Suaalii. In a light-hearted moment, Waratahs center Joey Walton reflected on the tough loss, while prop Taniela Tupou acknowledged improvement despite his earlier struggles. The match showcased a fierce contest, with impactful performances noted by both coaches.
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