Joe Schmidt has named his Australia team to play England on Saturday at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium
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Rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been thrust straight into the action, starting at centre in his first professional rugby union match. The 21-year-old, a former Sydney Roosters star, recently made headlines with his switch to union on a three-year deal reportedly worth a whopping A$5.35m (£2.7m).
It’s been a few years since Suaalii donned rugby union boots, last doing so for Australian Schoolboys in 2019. But now, he’s set to make waves in the Wallabies’ midfield, pairing up with the ever-reliable Len Ikitau.
Hunter Paisami: A Big Miss
Regular inside centre Hunter Paisami won’t be on the autumn tour due to a calf injury, paving the way for Suaalii’s high-profile debut. It’s the only change from the side that was convincingly beaten 33-13 by New Zealand back in September.
Harry Wilson: The New Skipper
At number eight, Harry Wilson leads the team, bringing grit and determination to the back row alongside Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini. With the experienced Taniela Tupou anchoring the front row, the Wallabies will be banking on their forwards to lay a solid foundation.
No Noah Kerevi or Will Skelton
Playmaker Noah Lolesio gets the nod at fly-half, tasked with steering the ship at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Meanwhile, there’s no room for former Saracens powerhouse Will Skelton, and centre Samu Kerevi remains sidelined, having not played since his Japanese club, Urayasu D-Rocks, wrapped up their season in May.
It’s a bold lineup, and all eyes will be on Suaalii to see if he can live up to the hype in the international rugby union arena.
Australia team to play England:
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen
