Code-hoppers Suaalii, Lomax to clash on Super stage
Murray Wenzel |
Code-hopping pair Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Zac Lomax will clash in Sydney after the former was cleared to return from a long-term injury for the NSW Waratahs.
Suaalii tore his hamstring in a pre-game warm-up in early March and has since watched his side battle to a 4-5 record, good enough for eighth approaching the final month of the regular season.
“He’s in superb condition; ready to perform, not just ready to play,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said of the Wallabies centre.
“We won’t put too much pressure on him, no doubt that will come from others.
“His presence has lifted the whole group, to be honest.”
His return on Friday against the Western Force will coincide with that of Lomax, who scored in his starting debut a fortnight ago.
Lomax, who arrived in Perth after the postponement of the rebel R360 league and a failed attempt to return to the NRL, has been touted as a Wallabies bolter after making an impressive transition.
The Force (10th, 3-6), fresh off a bye, can put a major dent in the Waratahs’ finals hopes with a win at Allianz Stadium.
“It’s great for the game,” McKellar said of the high-profile meeting.
“Zac’s an exceptional footballer; good career in the NRL and it’s great he’s now playing rugby union … his skill set suits the game.
“It just builds that little bit more interest, and that’s what we want.”
The Queensland Reds, beaten in extra time by the Blues after twice mounting spirited comebacks in Christchurch, are unchanged ahead of Saturday’s clash with the ACT Brumbies.
Hooker Lachlan Lonergan will return for the Brumbies who are just two points clear of the sixth-placed Reds, who have a game in hand.
Reds coach Les Kiss praised hooker Josh Nasser as the Wallabies talent prepares to come off the bench for his 50th Super Rugby appearance.
“We’ve got a bench that makes things happen for us. Well done to Josh on approaching his 50th game because he has been a part of that in recent weeks,” Kiss said.
“We were gutted to lose in Christchurch last weekend … these players don’t give up.
“We know there is more in us and the players work hard and challenge themselves each week to keep our level of play rising as we feel it is.”
And Fijian Drua enforcer Elia Canakaivata is set to become the fourth man to play 50 games for the club when they host the Highlanders on Saturday.
Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa returns to the No.9 while Frank Lomani will push out to the wing as they look to move as high as seventh with a fifth win this season.
AAP