Hunter Paisami Cited for High Tackle on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu After Wallabies Win
- Hunter Paisami was cited for a dangerous tackle on Springbok back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the final minutes of Sunday's Rugby Championship clash in Perth
- The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee is set to hear Paisami's case on Tuesday, putting his Bledisloe Cup availability in doubt
- Wallabies centre Len Ikitau also left the field with an ankle injury, leaving Australia facing a potential double blow in the midfield ahead of the All Blacks series
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Hunter Paisami faces a disciplinary hearing after being cited for a high tackle on Springbok playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during Australia's 42-38 Rugby Championship victory over South Africa at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Paisami's head and shoulder made contact with Feinberg-Mngomezulu's face moments after the Springbok back had released a pass, an incident that drew the attention of citing commissioners in the closing stages of the contest.
SANZAAR Review Scheduled for Tuesday
The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee will hear the matter on Tuesday. Should Paisami receive a suspension, it would represent a major setback for the Wallabies as they prepare to contest the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand, with the first Test scheduled at Eden Park on 10 October, followed by the return fixture in Sydney on 17 October.
The potential absence of Paisami compounds an existing injury concern in the Australian midfield. Centre Len Ikitau, who crossed for two tries and produced a standout 40-metre run before limping from the field in the 53rd minute with an ankle injury, will be assessed on his return home. Coach Les Kiss was cautious about the 27-year-old's prognosis, saying:
"We've just got to be very precautionary with it now and just see where it is."
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Suaalii's Wing Role Adds Selection Complexity
The availability of both centres will directly shape how the Wallabies deploy Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ahead of the Bledisloe series. The former NRL star, who had started his first 24 Tests at outside centre, was shifted to the wing on Sunday to better counter South Africa's aerial kicking game. The tactical switch proved effective, with Suaalii completing several high-ball takes at critical moments.
Source: Briefly News
