Joseph Suaalii was praised as a “freak” by his Australian midfield partner Len Ikitau on Monday, while coach Joe Schmidt said the former NRL star’s debut was a “confidence booster”.
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However, according to multiple reports, Suaali is set to return to the bench ahead of Australia’s Grand Slam test against Wales in Cardiff on Monday morning (3.10am AEDT).
ESPN and The Roar reported on Friday morning that Suaalii would move into the starting lineup, moving to the bench alongside Samu Kerevi.
Kerevi was recalled to the squad for the match against England and expected to start, but he has not played in a test since last year’s World Cup and has settled into a bench role as midfield cover.
The starting role will give Schmidt a chance to get a closer look at Kerevi. Kerevi said he wanted to prove he could again be a dominant force on the world stage after suffering an ACL tear at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Schmidt could have decided to stay in the starting side by moving Suaali to the wing in place of the injured Dylan Pietsch (calf), but he will instead reportedly promote Max Jorgensen to the run-on side after last week’s winning try. .
Suaalii works magic on rugby debut | 00:34
Suaalii marked his first professional rugby union cap as a man of the match during Australia’s 42-37 win over England in a thriller at Twickenham last weekend.
The achievement came less than a month after his multi-million dollar move from rugby league, with Suaalii producing a superb one-handed pass that set up Australia’s opening try over fullback Tom Wright.
“He’s a monster,” Ikitau said of Suaalii ahead of Monday’s game.
“Just being able to play next to him and see what he can do on the field is awesome. And we expect more from him now that he has played his first game.
“We saw it all in training. He came in, did what he needed to learn and showed off his skills on the field.
“I thought it was really cool to see them defending 13 channels. He just wanted to participate and have the ball.”
Suaalii has also been the subject of praise from Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe. Gareth Anscombe described his performance against England as “very impressive”.
“He made the game look pretty easy, didn’t he?” Anscombe said.
“But look, it will be a huge challenge and I am sure he will probably start in midfield.
“I thought he had a groundbreaking debut. He was dangerous, good in the air and quite wide.”
Wallabies surprise England with Suali star | 02:2
Meanwhile, Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland said he believed “the game needs a superstar” as his underperforming side prepare to face Souali.
“I think what was impressive about him was his off-road game, just being able to get the ball away,” Gatland said.
“He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities with the ball in his hands from an offensive standpoint, but he’s just been able to get the ball over the top for a try without dying with it.” The veteran New Zealander added: “I thought he was a great fit for someone to play his first professional game at international level at Twickenham.
“I think the game needs people like that. The game needs superstars. He too is named the best player, creating hype.
“We all know, and we all know, that Australian rugby needs a boost. And for him, I hope that’s some kind of strength that he can provide. Especially in Sydney where the Swans are playing in the AFL (Australian Rules) final.”
Wales face Australia after losing 24-19 to Fiji at the Principality Stadium last weekend. The defeat still leaves them without a Test win since beating Georgia in a World Cup billiards match in Nantes a year ago.
