Hunter Paisami Learns Punishment After High Tackle on Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Hunter Paisami’s latest setback comes at a crucial time for the Wallabies, with Australia preparing for a major Bledisloe Cup challenge
- The Wallabies now face an unexpected selection headache after the dramatic Springboks clash in Perth ended with a costly disciplinary decision
- Les Kiss must rethink his midfield plans after an incident involving Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu changed the outlook for Australia’s next Tests
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Australia will be without centre Hunter Paisami for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series after he was suspended following his tackle on Springbok replacement flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in Perth.
The incident occurred late in Australia's 42-38 victory over South Africa on Sunday, 27 September 2026. Paisami was shown a yellow card in the 76th minute after the tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu. World Rugby's match record confirmed the card and the timing of the incident.
Paisami initially received a six-week sanction after being found guilty of dangerous play under Law 9.13. The disciplinary committee reduced it by two weeks after considering his acceptance of foul play, disciplinary record, conduct and remorse.
The final outcome means the 28-year-old will miss four Test matches, including Australia's Bledisloe Cup meetings with New Zealand.
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Les Kiss reacts as Wallabies midfield options narrow
Wallabies coach Les Kiss expressed disappointment with the length of the suspension.
"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."
He added:
"However, it's what it is, and we'll deal with the reality of it."
The suspension comes at an awkward time for Australia. Centre Len Ikitau is also carrying an injury concern after leaving the Perth match. Rugby Australia reported that the Wallabies could therefore require a new midfield combination for the Bledisloe Cup.
Australia faces Bledisloe Cup reshuffle
Paisami's absence opens the door for several alternatives, including Isaac Henry, Jordan Petaia, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu. Rugby Australia confirmed on 30 September that Paisami had initially been included in the squad pending the disciplinary hearing.
The first Bledisloe Cup Test is scheduled for 10 October at Eden Park, leaving Kiss with limited time to settle his midfield combination. For Australia, the Paisami suspension has turned an already developing selection issue into a significant part of the build-up to the All Blacks series.
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Ex-Australia captain calls for referee ban after Springboks chaos
Briefly News previously reported that former Australia captain Michael Hooper had questioned whether Italian referee Andrea Piardi should officiate the Wallabies again after the dramatic Springboks Test in Perth.
Piardi's handling of the chaotic final stages has now become a major talking point, with Hooper arguing that World Rugby should consider keeping the official away from future Australia matches. His comments come after an extraordinary finish in which four Wallabies players were shown yellow cards.
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Source: Briefly News
