Best in the business: Suaalii to soar on Wallabies wing
Justin Chadwick |
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is being backed to thrive in his new wing role and Wallabies coach Les Kiss has come up with some unique flyhalf back-up options as the Wallabies brace for Sunday’s clash with South Africa in Perth.
Suaalii has spent the bulk of his 24 Tests at outside centre, but will slot in at left wing against South Africa, with Tom Wright to continue at fullback and Max Jorgensen on the right wing.
The world No.1 Springboks dominated the aerial game during their recent 3-1 series win over New Zealand, and Suaalii’s shift out wide is a significant strategy to cope with the high ball.
“At aerial battle, he’s going to be big,” Kiss said.
“He’s probably one of the best in the business.”
Last year’s John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau will shift to outside centre, with Queensland’s Hunter Paisami named at inside centre.
Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will partner playmaker Ben Donaldson in the halves.
Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and prop Allan Alaalatoa return to the starting line-up, but the rest of the forward pack remains unchanged from the team that drew with Argentina 28-28 in Mendoza this month.
And with South Africa noted for their physicality and prowess at the scrum, Kiss has opted for a 6/2 split on the bench, with Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou the substitute front row.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott and winger Harry Potter are the only two backs on the bench, meaning there was no room for the returning Jordan Petaia, who last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, and no room for a back-up flyhalf.
Not that Kiss is worried.
“Obviously Longers (Longergan) can cover it,” Kiss said of his flyhalf options if Donaldson can’t last the full match.
“Hunter played 10 as a youngster. I have no doubt he could fit into there.
“And I also think Lenny would have the the calmness of mind to be able to just work that first first receiver role.”
The other option Kiss could have turned to was sending an SOS to either James O’Connor or Kurtley Beale following the pair’s starring roles for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AUS competition.
But for now, Kiss is keen to test out his team’s depth and ability to adapt given the home World Cup is only a year away.
“I stated that I can always lean back into that experience,” Kiss said in relation to O’Connor and Beale.
“But these are the Test matches where we can just look at some other 10s to see how we grow and where they can stand in the space here.”
So will the Springboks still target the Wallabies with the high ball now that Suaalii has been moved to the wing?
“They have to make a decision, don’t they?” Kiss said.
“They will, I think, stick to what their strengths are, and that is putting that ball in the air and creating some havoc there.
“They had a fair bit of success in that world, that’s for sure, so we just have to be ready for it.
“We can use that weapon as well and put it back on them, and that’s something that they have to handle.”
WALLABIES: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell. Res: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Harry Potter
AAP