Wallabies Debutant Sua’ali’i Set for Twickenham Test Against England
Former Sydney Roosters outside back Joseph Sua’ali’i will make his professional rugby union and international debut on Saturday, as he has been named in Joe Schmidt’s starting XV to take on England at Twickenham. The $5 million code-switcher will start at outside centre for the crunch Autumn International fixture after impressing union bosses since making the move from rugby league.
Sua’ali’i, who played rugby union at the schoolboy level, will become the latest player to cross over from the NRL, following in the footsteps of illustrious names like Jason Robinson and Sam Burgess. His inclusion is the only change to the starting lineup that lost to New Zealand in Wellington, with Len Ikitau shifting to inside centre to accommodate the debutant.
Explaining the decision, Schmidt acknowledged the risk of throwing the 21-year-old into the Test cauldron so soon, but expressed confidence in Sua’ali’i’s abilities. “He’s a very professional young man. He’s had plenty of experience both playing rugby union and being professional as well with rugby league in the past,” the Wallabies coach said.
The outside back has been training with the Waratahs in preparation for his professional debut, with Samu Kerevi, among others, having previously spoken highly of the former Roosters star. “Physically, he’s there. He’s ready,” Kerevi said.
Saturday’s clash at Twickenham will also see 14 members of Schmidt’s squad make their debut at the iconic stadium, including No. 8 Harry Wilson, who will captain the Wallabies. The young side will face a stern test against an England team that impressed in their opening Autumn Nations match against New Zealand.
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