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Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami has received a four-match suspension for a high tackle against South Africa and will appeal the decision on Wednesday night. The Wallabies face New Zealand at Eden Park on October 10, aiming to end the All Blacks 53-game unbeaten run at the venue.
Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami has received a four-match suspension for his high tackle against South Africa last Sunday and will appeal the decision at a SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee hearing on Wednesday night.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, Jock Campbell will join the squad in Paisami's place. Wallabies coach Les Kiss could then be forced to field an untested centre pairing in October's Bledisloe Cup series. The Wallabies will take on New Zealand on October 10 at Eden Park. They are hoping to end the All Blacks 53-game unbeaten run at the stadium.
Paisami Appeal and Centre Selections
World Rugby regulations list sanctions of two matches for low-end dangerous tackles, six for mid-range offences and 10 or more for high-end offences. If Paisami's appeal fails, he could serve some of his ban during October's two-match Australia A tour. Paisami received a yellow card in the 75th minute of the South Africa Test. He became the fourth and final Wallaby sent to the sin bin by referee Andrea Piardi.
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. Macpherson started his professional career with a stint at Toyota Verblitz in Japan. Centre Len Ikitau has been named in the squad to face New Zealand despite hurting his ankle in Sunday's Test.
There is cautious optimism the star centre could play some role in the Bledisloe Cup series. A scan on Ikitau's ankle Monday eliminated fears of serious damage. If Ikitau is not fit for the Eden Park Test, a potential centre partnership would be Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Isaac Henry, although the two players have never started a Test together. Henry made his debut for the Wallabies against Japan in Osaka in August.
Backline Cover and Squad Returns
He has played for the Reds at inside and outside centre. Utility back Jordan Petaia has stayed in Australia to provide backline cover before joining his new club Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan. Petaia can play wing, centre and fullback. Two of the Wallabies overseas-based contingent, Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou, are unavailable.
The Bledisloe Cup falls outside World Rugby's regulation nine window, which requires clubs to release players for Test rugby. Massimo de Lutiis returns to the squad in Tupou's place. Second-rower Josh Canham is named in the squad after missing the South Africa Test due to a minor hamstring strain. Canham is joined by Miles Amatosero, who was recalled to the squad after receiving a red card in his last Test for the Wallabies against Japan in Townsville.
The Wallabies have opted to continue with the playmaking trio of Ben Donaldson, Declan Meredith and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. Utility back Filipo Daugunu has been recalled to the squad after recovering from a minor knee injury.
All Blacks Prepare for Bledisloe Battle
Meanwhile, former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is managing a host of injuries in his squad. Rennie said the Wallabies are a well-oiled side and hailed their growth ahead of the Bledisloe battle. Hooker Codie Taylor will captain New Zealand against the Wallabies in the absence of Ardie Savea, who hurt his shoulder in the Test series against South Africa.
Ruben Love, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke (shoulder) and Ollie Norris are also unavailable for New Zealand due to injury. Former captain Scott Barrett has returned to the squad with back-rower Shannon Frizell. Frizell last played for the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final loss to South Africa.
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brisbanetimes:Paisami to appeal ban as Wallabies eye end to All Blacks’ 53-game Eden Park winning streakThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Bledisloe Cup Wallabies Squad Eden Park Winning Streak All Blacks Injuries
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