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Suaalii’s return from injury headlines a key Waratahs clash with the Force, where fellow convert Lomax looms as a central figure.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return from a hamstring injury when the NSW Waratahs host the Western Force in Sydney on Friday, setting up a high-profile meeting with fellow code-switcher Zac Lomax.
Suaalii has not played since tearing his hamstring in a pre-game warm-up in early March. During his absence, the Waratahs have compiled a 4-5 record, leaving them eighth with the regular season entering its final month.
Coach Dan McKellar said the Wallabies centre had completed his recovery strongly and would not be rushed despite the attention surrounding his comeback.
McKellar indicated Suaalii's condition had lifted the group, adding that expectations around his return would largely come from outside the team.
He also noted the broader interest generated by Suaalii facing Lomax, describing it as positive for the game.
Lomax, who crossed for a try on his starting debut two weeks ago, has made a quick impression since switching codes.
The former NRL player joined the Force following the postponement of the R360 competition and an unsuccessful bid to return to rugby league. His early performances have prompted discussion about potential Wallabies selection.
The Force, sitting 10th with a 3-6 record, come off a bye and have an opportunity to damage the Waratahs' finals push with an upset at Allianz Stadium.
Elsewhere, the Queensland Reds have named an unchanged side for Saturday's clash with the ACT Brumbies after their extra-time loss to the Blues in Christchurch.
The Brumbies regain hooker Lachlan Lonergan and sit two points clear of the sixth-placed Reds, who hold a game in hand.
Reds coach Les Kiss praised Josh Nasser ahead of his 50th Super Rugby appearance, noting the hooker's impact from the bench in recent weeks and the squad's resilience despite their narrow defeat.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua forward Elia Canakaivata is poised to reach 50 games for the club when they host the Highlanders.
Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa returns at scrum-half, while Frank Lomani shifts to the wing as the Drua chase a fifth win that could lift them as high as seventh.
