Sitaleki Timani faces a citing complaint ahead of his country’s final European tour match but fellow second rower Kane Douglas could be back in contention after a two-game absence.
Timani, whose physical presence and power was seen as a crucial factor in solidifying the Wallaby scrum against England at Twickenham, has been cited for striking during the early stages of last week’s win over Italy.
The Tongan-born star, whose brother Sione plays for the Scarlets, has been charged under Law 10.4 (a) which states: “A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s)”, following a 13th-minute altercation in Florence.
No date has yet been set for Timani’s hearing but it is expected to take place before Australia face Wales for a sixth time in just 13 months.
The Wallabies will hope that Timani doesn’t cop a similar punishment to another of their second rows, Rob Simmons, who has yet to have his appeal heard after being banned for eight weeks for a tip tackle on Yannick Nyanga in the defeat to France.
There was at least some good news for the Wallabies as they trained at Treforest today, though, as Douglas continued his positive recovery from the knee injury he picked up in Paris.
After missing the 20-14 success over England, Douglas decided not to travel to Florence in order to stay with his ill mother in London but he has now rejoined the rest of the Wallaby party.
