1 week Ago By The Straits Times
Australia's Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action against England at Twickenham. LONDON – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was on Nov 11 hailed as a “freak” by his Australian midfield partner Len Ikitau after an eye-catching performance against England in his first game of professional rugby union. The former rugby league star won the man-of-the-match award in the visitors’ 42-37 win at Twickenham on Nov 9 and is now training his focus on Wales.
“He is a freak, man,” Ikitau told a Wallabies press conference in Cardiff, ahead of the Nov 17 clash. “Just being able to play next to him and see what he can do on the field is awesome. And we are just expecting more from him now he has had his first game.
“We saw all of that at training. He came in, he did what he needed to learn and just showcased his skills on the field. It was awesome to see him defending the 13 channel.
He just wanted to be involved and wanted to get the ball.” Warren Gatland’s Wales are just one defeat away from a record 11th successive Test match loss after a 24-19 reversal against Fiji, and the Wallabies will be confident of collecting a 10th win from their past 12 Cardiff visits. Suaalii is set to be at the heart of that, and even if they have not faced him in person yet, Wales know all about him.
“Seriously impressive,” Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe said of Suaalii’s masterclass. “He made the game look pretty easy, didn’t he? But look, it is going to be a great challenge and I am sure he will probably start in the midfield. “I thought he had a sensational debut.
He was dangerous, good in the air and quite a rangy player.” Meanwhile, flanker Sam Cane and winger Mark Tele’a have been ruled out due to injury from the All Blacks squad for the test against France on Nov 16, New Zealand announced on Nov 11. Cane suffered a head cut during the recent win over Ireland and will need to undergo Head Injury Assessment protocols, while Tele’a is dealing with an injury to his hand.
Shadow All Blacks XV captain Du’Plessis Kirifi will join the team, along with winger Chay Fihaki and lock Fabian Holland, who replaces Sam Darry following the latter’s season-ending knee injury. New Zealand will face France at the Stade de France. AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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