Joseph Suaalii returns as Wallabies make mass changes for Scotland clash
Joseph Suaalii has been named in the Wallabies’ starting line-up as one of several changes for Monday morning’s clash with Scotland.
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Rising Australian star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will return to the Wallabies starting line-up in one of six changes for their match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Monday morning (AEDT)..
Suaalii has been promoted from the bench following Australia’s 52-20 rout of Wales in Cardiff last weekend.
The rugby league convert was named man-of-the-match in a 42-37 win over England at Twickenham earlier this month — his first senior game of professional rugby union.
Suaalii will make his second Test start in midfield alongside Len Ikitau, who takes back the No 12 jersey now Samu Kerevi’s tour is over following his red card against Wales.
Harry Potter, meanwhile, will make his Test debut after being selected on the left wing in place of Max Jorgensen, who drops to the bench.
Whether he can provide the wizardry associated with his famous fictional namesake remains to be seen.
The 26-year-old former Western Force man was born in London before moving to Melbourne as a child. After struggling to break through in Super Rugby, he returned to England and helped Leicester win a Premiership title.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson is back at No 8, while Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker, with Rob Valetini moving back to blindside flanker.
In the second row, Jeremy Williams has been recalled to partner Will Skelton.
Jake Gordon has been brought back at scrum-half to partner Noah Lolesio.
Australia are halfway to matching the celebrated 1984 Wallabies’ Grand Slam, a clean sweep of wins over the Home Nations — England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales — on one tour.
Scotland thrashed emerging nation Portugal 59-21 last weekend but will be looking to end their 2024 with a morale-boosting win over the Wallabies after pushing world champions South Africa hard in a 32-15 loss at Murrayfield on November 10.
Wallabies legend Campese believes Australia will beat Scotland, and praised Suaalii and the team’s style of play under coach Joe Schmidt.
“What impresses me the most about him (Suaalii) is that he is not a selfish player,” Campese told Vision4Sport.
“He got the ball and did what he had to do as a centre with his passing and offloading. He demonstrated that he is a team player.
“Playing at the top level of State of Origin gives you great confidence. Suaalii was at school three years ago. He has learned rapidly and he is only going to get better.
“Tom Wright is another player from rugby league. He has always been a good player and he is thriving in this new atmosphere and environment.
“So is Len Ikitau. Eddie Jones didn’t rate him, but Joe Schmidt does. They are all playing with smiles on their faces which is great. The more you enjoy your rugby the better you are going to play.”
“I can’t understand why Scotland played Portugal in the lead up to facing Australia,” Campese added.
“I know people weren’t taking Australia seriously a couple of weeks ago. I can’t see Scotland beating us this weekend.
“At this level, you need to have consistency, not least selection and play with each other week in week out as far as you can. Scotland have made it very difficult for themselves by not playing their full team. It’s going to be very interesting. Australia will win by 10-15 points.”
“The week has been complicated, with the freezing conditions ruling out training fields but the group have adapted well to the situation,” Schmidt said.
“The core of the Scotland team has been together for a number of years.
“They’re cohesive and combative and we will need to be at our best on Sunday.”
Australia (15-1): Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini; Will Skelton, Jeremy Williams; Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Isaac Kailea, Zane Nonggorr, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen Coach: Joe Schmidt
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Originally published as Joseph Suaalii returns as Wallabies make mass changes for Scotland clash
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