Wallabies suffer blow as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out of Japan Test

Tue, Aug 11, 2026, 7:05 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies have been dealt a major blow, losing centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for Saturday's second Test against Japan in Townsville.

Suaalii picked up a minor hamstring strain during last week's win over Japan in Osaka.

Watch every second of the Wallabies' Tests against Japan live and on demand via Stan Sport.

His place will be taken by Queensland Reds midfielder Josh Flook, who has joined the squad in Brisbane.

Suaalii joins Len Ikitau (ankle) on the injury list, leaving the Wallabies to pick a brand-new centre partnership from the Nations Championship.

The 23-year-old has struggled with injury in 2026, featuring just five times for the Waratahs.

His withdrawal opens the door for Isaac Henry to make his debut start at Test level, or for Flook to make his first appearance in gold since last year's Test in Japan.

Henry came off the bench last week in Japan, becoming Wallaby #999.

Meanwhile, Paisami and Flook have started together regularly for the Queensland Reds, with the pair leaving at the end of the year.

The inside centre told reporters in Osaka of his motivation to play one final match in his home state before he heads to Japan.

"It would be massive to get that opportunity (to play) again," Paisami said.

"Always hungry and in this environment it's very competitive; we've got some quality centres out there.

"The more we compete, the better we get as a team."

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