Suaalii could win fitness race to play against Ireland

Wallabies centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could face Ireland in the final match of Australia’s tour in Dublin this weekend despite leaving the pitch with an injury against Scotland on Sunday.

Fears that the high-profile rugby league convert had broken his wrist in a tackle on Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu during the 27-13 loss at Murrayfield proved unfounded, the team said in a medical update released on Tuesday.

“Joseph Suaalii lost function and had severe pain in his right arm and was substituted,” it said.

“After travelling with the team to Ireland, his function is returning, and pain is subsiding. He was medically reviewed post-game and there is no evidence of a fracture and will be monitored throughout the week.”

Lock Jeremy Williams, who was forced to pull out of the team for the Scotland game because of illness, is “recovering positively”, the team said.

Will Skelton, who started in the second row against Scotland, is unavailable for Saturday’s match against the Irish because of club commitments as the fixture falls outside the international window.

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