He hasn’t played a rugby match in five years, but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – the Wallabies’ new $1.6 million man – could be thrown straight into the international furnace by Joe Schmidt.
The Roar understands Schmidt is seriously considering rolling the dice and naming the 21-year-old in the No.13 jersey in what shapes as the biggest selection call since last year’s World Cup disaster.
Although there had been whispers for the past few days that Suaalii was in contention for a spot in the matchday squad, few thought it would be as a starter against England. Even less thought it would be at outside centre – the position in the backline commonly regarded as the hardest spot to defend.
But informed sources believe Schmidt is considering throwing Suaalii, who featured on the wing in the Australian Schoolboys victory over New Zealand in 2019, in the deep end.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to debut against England during the Wallabies’ Grand Slam opener at Twickenham. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Should he select Suaalii at outside centre, the experienced coach could be tempted to move Len Ikitau one position closer to the action at inside centre given Samu Kerevi, who has worn the No.12 jersey at the past two World Cups, has played just once since May and would be hard pressed to get through 80 minutes.
By including one of his experienced centres on the bench, Schmidt would also have a security net on the bench if the occasion – and opposition – proves too much for Suaalii.
If Kerevi is selected on the pine, it would also allow Schmidt to finish the Test with a proven performer, who has experienced the pressure cooker at the top before Suaalii was even in year 10.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kerevi said he was confident Suaalii could deliver from the outset and reminded him of his former teammate Israel Folau.
“You’ve seen him play in the top level of rugby league. Even though it’s a different game, the translation of how he competes is there,” Kerevi said.
“Physically, he’s there. He’s ready. Even as a 21-year-old, he reminds you bits and pieces of Izzy [Folau].
“He’ll be ready as a footy player at the end of the day. He backs himself, which is what you want. I think his attention to detail is really good because he wants to learn the game more, know his role really well and execute it, especially under Test lights.”
Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i and Samu Kerevi at training. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Although Kerevi hasn’t played for the Wallabies since their final World Cup pool match against Portugal, the experienced midfielder, who started at outside centre before shifting to the inside role, said he had no doubt he could deliver if called up again.
“I’ve played over 40 caps now (49) at Test level – I know what it feels like to be in that arena and what your body needs, but also the mindset that you need,” Kerevi said.
“Since being in Japan, there’s been a lot of conversations like that. [I] came back in ’21, came back in ’23, and it’s always been the same. ‘Japan league is this, Japan league is that.’ But internally, I know what it takes to be at a Test level. If I’m selected this week, I’ll be ready to go.”
Former versatile Wallabies back Drew Mitchell recently said he thought Suaalii would thrive at outside centre – albeit off the bench.
“I don’t know where he’ll play but I’d play him at 13, but Len Ikitau’s been strong,” Mitchell said on the KOKO podcast.
“I just think his best position would be 13.
“If you see him as a long-term 13, start him at 13.
“Not just Joseph, all these guys, they’ve got four Tests before the Lions. If you’re going to play him at 13 against the Lions, you play him there now because at some point on this tour, he’s going to be opposing who he’s going to be facing in the Lions.
“I also think everyone just says, ‘throw him on the wing, it’s the easiest.’ But there’s a fair bit of kicking in back field play and the tactical kicking, there’s too much importance on it and it’s too short of a runway to go into the Lions to have this tactical nous in terms of his kicking options and executions come the lions.
“I think his defensive reads will be perfect at 13 because he’s been playing centres a lot in rugby league. [He’ll] put a bit of starch in the midfield as well.”
Samu Kerevi runs past Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt at training in London. Photo: Julius Dimataga, Rugby Australia
Mitchell, the Wallabies’ leading tryscorer at World Cups, found a supporter in his co-host Matt Giteau, who agreed his long-term position was likely at outside centre but thought he would likely be brought off the bench.
“I agree,” Giteau said. “I think Len’s been great, but if you are going to play Joseph there … although 13 is the hardest position in the backline to defend.
“I think on the pine is the best spot for him initially.”
Adam Ashley-Cooper, who played right across the backline, including at outside centre, thought the wing was his most logical starting point but threw up the possibility of him starting.
“What about starting him is better than benching him?” Ashley-Cooper said.
“I was dog s–t off the bench. It’s a different mindset and [some] players are better suited to start the game as opposed to coming off the bench.
“I don’t think they’ll start him there (at 13). It’s a tough starting point for someone who’s inevitability still learning the game. You’d start him on the edge, wouldn’t you?”
Schmidt will confirm his Wallabies side to take on England in the on Thursday night.