December 13, 2024
Australia make bold selection call with rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set to start in England clash

Australia make bold selection call with rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set to start in England clash

Australia have included rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii straight into their starting squad for the clash against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Suaalii is yet to feature in a senior rugby union match but is supported at outside center by Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt after making a shock code switch ahead of the Autumn Nations series.

His inclusion in midfield is the only change from the team that started Australia’s last Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand, while Schmidt remains with a stable squad.

Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio continue in the halves while Harry Wilson retains the captaincy at number eight.

“The team has adapted well to the travel and has had some training here to prepare for what will be a very difficult challenge on Saturday,” Schmidt said.

Joe Suaalii makes his debut

Joe Suaalii makes his debut (Getty Images)

“Playing in front of raucous crowds at some of the most renowned rugby stadiums in the world is an exciting prospect, with many players on their first tour.”

Suaalii played union as a schoolboy but has forged an impressive NRL career with the Sydney Roosters since earning an exemption to make his debut before his 18th birthday.

Now 21, he has signed a deal with Rugby Australia (RA) worth in the region of £800,000 a year to join the Wallabies in a vital 12-month period for the team.

Under new coach Schmidt, Australia finished last in the Rugby Championship and are preparing to host the British and Irish Lions next summer. They will face the original four nations in November.

There is no place in the 23 for overseas-based Will Skelton or Samu Kerevi, who returned to the squad ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.

The Australian XV will face England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham (3:10 p.m. GMT, Saturday November 9): 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (captain); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Noah Lolesio; 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway; 15 Tom Wright.

Substitutes: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.

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