Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has elected to include recent league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in his squad to face England on Saturday.
This will be Suaalii’s debut for the national senior side and his first rugby union appearance since playing for Australia Schools and Under 18s against New Zealand Schools in 2019.
“We just thought particularly with Hunter Paisani picking up an injury and Samu Kerevi coming in late that it was the best combination for us and a really good opportunity,” Schmidt told reporters.
“I think when a player starts they get a little bit more training time with the team so getting those reps with the team I think is an advantage when you’re trying to slot someone in for the first time.”
Although the 21-year-old has limited experience in union, having not even made his Super Rugby debut yet, his displays for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL have been enough to grant him a starting place.
“Everything’s a risk. The thing that I would have confidence around Joseph is how well he prepares himself,” Schmidt explained.
“He’s a very professional young man. He’s had plenty of experience both playing rugby union and being professional as well with rugby league in the past and coming back to rugby union so those things give us confidence and give Joseph confidence that hopefully, he can hit the ground running in a couple of days’ time.
“He’s meticulous with his planning before he even gets to his preparation. He makes sure that he ticks all the boxes and asks a lot of questions…He played a lot of rugby, obviously, in school, through the pathway of Australian under-18s and he knows a number of the players through those teams as well.”
So, why throw the talented centre in at such an early junction? Well, the Lions tour next year is certainly on Schmidt’s mind.
“…I think Joseph is our 17th or 18th debutant this year so, it’s not a new situation for us to have a debutant. In fact, it’s the most common situation that we’ve had this year.
“In an effort to build depth and an effort to stabilise the group that we have, we see it as an opportunity more than as a risk and he’s been excellent, which gives us confidence not to wait another week or two or even next year.”
Speaking about the squad’s preparation for the upcoming match, Schmidt said: “The side has adjusted well to the travel and have had a couple of trainings up here to prepare for what will be a very tough challenge on Saturday.”
“Playing in front of vocal home crowds in some of the most renowned Rugby stadiums in the world is an exciting prospect, with many of the players on their first Spring Tour.”
Playing squad:
1. Angus Bell (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (12 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (56 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (21 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (8 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (48 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (22 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (19 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (27 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Dylan Pietsch (4 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (35 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii* – The Kings School
14. Andrew Kellaway (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (33 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (16 Tests) – Southern Districts
17. James Slipper (140 Tests)– Bond Pirates
18. Allan Alaalatoa (76 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests) – Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (9 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (37 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (13 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Max Jorgensen (3 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
*denotes uncapped
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