Australia will be without centre Hunter Paisami for four Test matches after he was suspended for a dangerous tackle during the Wallabies’ 42-38 victory over South Africa.
Paisami was cited for the challenge on Springbok replacement fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the 76th minute of Sunday’s dramatic match in Perth.
The 28-year-old was one of four Australia players shown a yellow card during the final 11 minutes, as the Wallabies were reduced to 11 men while defending their lead against the world champions.
Paisami was initially given a six-week suspension following his disciplinary hearing. That punishment was reduced by two weeks after the committee took into account his recent disciplinary record, his conduct during the hearing and his remorse.
The revised sanction means Paisami will miss both of Australia’s upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand, as well as two further internationals.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss said he was unhappy with the length of the suspension but accepted the team would have to manage without a regular midfield player.
“I’ll be careful what I say because I might be fined,” Kiss said.
“But four weeks, I thought it could have been a little bit less than that, for sure.”
Kiss acknowledged the ban would affect Australia’s plans but said the squad had to focus on the matches ahead.
“However, it’s what it is, and we’ll deal with the reality of it. We’ve got two Bledisloe games and some other games that we can put that [suspension] into play, but ultimately, he’s out, and we’ll have to deal with that.”
Paisami’s absence is compounded by an injury concern involving his Reds team-mate Len Ikitau, leaving Australia with several midfield combinations to consider before facing New Zealand.
Isaac Henry has already been called into the Wallabies squad, while Jordan Petaia could be brought back into the midfield. Joseph Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu are also alternatives.
Suaalii started on the wing against South Africa and impressed as Australia secured a four-point victory over the Springboks.
The Wallabies now turn their attention to the Bledisloe Cup, with Paisami unavailable as they look to build on one of their most notable wins of the season.