Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Joseph Suaalii will start Australia’s Test against Wales in Cardiff on the bench despite setting the rugby world on fire on his debut against England.
Watch every Australia vs India match live in 4K and ad-free on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Schmidt said the surprising decision had been made over sharing the load with Suaalii, who had experienced a “whirlwind” entry into the 15-man code.
“So for him to be able to take a breather and watch the game before he comes in is a good opportunity for us to make changes if we need to,” he said.
“There was a temptation to keep him there to some extent. Playing four Tests in a row against a highly ranked nation that we are playing against is a huge challenge for anyone. “It’s a big challenge for anyone, especially playing the full 80 minutes.”
Wallabies take on battered Wales team | 01:01
Samu Kerevi and backrower Rob Valetini are in the starting lineup for the Wallabies, with Allan Alaalatoa coming on as a substitute after last weekend’s 42-37 win over England. I am scheduled to play my 50th Test.
“Last week’s test was fast-paced and physical. We brought freshness to what was going to be another bruising encounter in Cardiff,” said coach Joe Schmidt.
“We worked hard this week as a group knowing there was going to be a lot of pressure on us this weekend.”
Kerevi forms midfield with Len Ikitau, while Nic White joins Noah Lolesio at scrumhalf.
Following the win against England, Max Jorgensen was named as a starter on the left wing in place of the injured Dylan Pietsch, with Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright completing the back three.
With Harry Wilson excluded, Ballettini is ranked eighth and will link up with Fraser McWright and Serou Uru in the back row.
Alaalatoa starts alongside Angus Bell and Matt Faessler in the front row, while Will Skelton, playing his first Test of 2024, partners Nick Frost as a lock.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa again slots in as substitute hooker, James Slipper and Zane Nonggorr as replacement props and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson as cover for the remaining forwards.
Tate McDermott will once again make an impact as a replacement scrum-half alongside utility back Ben Donaldson, while Suaalii completes matchday 23.
Australia have beaten Wales twice in the summer, part of a 10-game losing streak. Sunday’s 11th successive defeat becomes a record for Wales.
But Schmidt insisted the pressure was not limited to Gatland and his team.
“It’s fun. “I feel more pressure than I did last week,” the New Zealander said.
Wallabies surprise England with Suali star | 02:2
“Last week, no one expected us to win. Suddenly expectations change and when you play against a losing team you are expected to win.
“But it means nothing in terms of the players actually running and getting the job done. I think everyone feels the pressure.
“I’m sure Warren is feeling the pressure like any other international coach.”
Schmidt justified his recall of Serevi and Skelton, especially after blooding new players on this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.
“There are 17 to 18 people who debuted this year. We are in a similar situation to Wales,” Schmidt said.
“That’s why we’re bringing back Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi this week. It helps us gain some experience across the board.”
“A special moment for me and my family” | 00:34
After Wales, Australia will play Scotland and Ireland in a bid to emulate the Wallabies’ 1984 Grand Slam winning tour.
Australia (15-1): Tom Wright Andrew Calloway, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Max Jorgensen; Noah Lolesio, Nick White; Rob Vallettini, Fraser McWright, Serou Uru; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Matt Faessler, Angus Bell Subs: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii Coach: Joe Schmidt
