NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has cleared Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of further injury than a concussion after a sickening blow for the superstar in their seven point defeat to the Queensland Reds.
Suaalii was wiped out after an accidental knee to the jaw from teammate Andrew Kellaway as the pair collided in a tackle on Reds centre Filipo Daugunu.
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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was among the concerned onlookers watching as the code-hopping weapon was treated for several minutes before being taken from the field on a medicab and in a neck brace.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said initial reports were that Suaalii had suffered a "groggy" dose of concussion.
"He's gone home with his mum and dad, so he's improved but, yeah, it's a concussion," McKellar said.
"You just want him to be OK and medical staff are on there quickly and carrying the support that he needed.
"So he'll be OK, obviously just gave everyone a fright. You don't want to see any player down on the ground, knocked out."
McKellar was left feeling equally lousy after his Waratahs suffered their first home defeat of the season to remain anchored in third-last position three games out from the finals.
"It's a tough one. It's really, really tough. Incredibly frustrating," he said.
"Some really dumb penalties that hurt us at key moments."
Despite the defeat, the Waratahs boss was pleased with the defensive improvement after last week's blow-out loss to the ACT Brumbies.
"Our defensive effort was incredible, really courageous, and that's what we asked for, but you've got to back it up with better execution," McKellar said.
Queensland's victory consolidated their fourth-place standing, maintaining hope of a top-three finish and an all-important home final.
