Kiss reveals Suaalii plan as Wallabies’ options grow
Murray Wenzel |
Les Kiss has addressed the tough selection call that awaits in Argentina and explained how Michael Cheika’s return to Australian rugby will benefit the Wallabies.
Kiss is 2-0 as coach after a double header against Japan but faces a sterner test in Jujuy, in Argentina’s mountainous north-west, on Sunday morning (AEST).
The teams will meet again a week later in Mendoza before the Wallabies return for Tests against South Africa and the All Blacks.
Where fit-again Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii starts, or if he starts at all, looms as the key narrative after the cross-code star missed the side’s Townsville defeat of Japan.
He and regular midfield partner Len Ikitau (ankle) have returned to the squad, replacing fullback Jock Campbell and centre Josh Flook.
Incumbents Hunter Paisami and second-gamer Isaac Henry, who in Townsville wore the No.13 usually reserved for Suaalii, have pressed their case for retention.
“It’s cool, isn’t it? I like it that there’s competition. These guys are good mates, and they’re connected,” Kiss said.
“Some good people miss out because it’s going well. But we want that. I want that.
“It’s not easy to tell someone they’re not in the team when you’ve got so many good options, but I know the boys wouldn’t want it any other way. They want to be able to get better.”
Much speculation has arising surrounding a Suaalii move to the wing or even fullback, but Kiss said that was unlikely for now.
“I’ve said from the start we’d stay at 13,” he said.
“With variations of what we’re trying to do in both sides of the ball, it’s right to just keep persisting in that space for now.
“At this stage, I’m probably keen to keep Su there, but I know he can move to the back if we need to, and that flexibility is enormous for us.”
Kiss also said there was an appetite to continue with Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano in the same 23 – McReight joined Tizzano for the final 15 minutes in Townsville – to offer elite pilfering ability.
“It’s an exiting thing, we’ve explored it, it’s there, and I don’t feel we would fear doing it again,” Kiss said.
“When? That’s the question and … will it be something we throw out all the time? No.
“With our power in the back row, we want to make sure we know how that goes.”
Kiss also lauded Cheika’s return as NSW Waratahs coach for next season ahead of the home Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve been good mates and he’s a bloody good coach. I have no doubt that he’s going to have a positive impact, that’s for sure,” he said.
“He’ll put a team around him that he’ll help grow as well, and they’ll be good for that decision.
“I’m looking forward to working with him. He knows what that jersey means to this country.
“He’s had that experience, he’s headed up that role just like I am now. So I’ll tap into some of his experiences.”
Australia are eighth in the world rankings, narrowly behind Argentina who beat the British and Irish Lions and New Zealand last year.
AAP