Joe Schmidt tempers Joseph Suaalii hype after debut for the ages

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has described Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s player of the match debut against England as “confidence-boosting”, but was reluctant to shower the 21-year-old in praise too soon, insisting he is still “finding his feet”.

In what was his first game of professional rugby union after his much-vaunted switch from rugby league just over a month ago, the former Sydney Roosters wing produced a match-leading four offloads at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, one of which a try assist, as the Wallabies triumphed over England 37-42.

While it was a display that will be much-discussed over the coming days and weeks, Schmidt was keen to deflect attention from the rising star after the match, instead heaping praise on fellow centre Len Ikitau, describing the No 12 as “outstanding”.

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Though sparing in his commendation, Schmidt did still describe the outside centre as an “aerial freak” as the Wallabies made great use of his 1.96m frame with their kicks.

It was a performance that the Kiwi nevertheless believes answers some of the “doubts” that had arisen over the former NRL star’s inclusion.

“I thought he was strong,” Schmidt said when reflecting on the young centre’s performance. “I thought he was really well supported by Lenny Ikitau, Lenny was outstanding. Even at the end of the game, he took the corner, drew the defender, released Max Jorgensen. I thought those two dove-tailed pretty well through that midfield.

“Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us, he’s a bit of an aerial freak. But at the same time, it was a good learning experience for Joseph as well.

“I know there were some doubts expressed about him being selected and the risk. I think people will now see the opportunity of involving a young man like that, particularly the way he prepared during the week. I thought he was really professional.”

Schmidt explained how Suaalii’s stint in rugby league – after coming through the rugby union pathway in Australia – has made him “incredibly diligent”, which was seen in the build-up to the match in London.

But the former Ireland boss emphasised that his latest debutant still has to learn the “subtleties” of the new code, although his first showing will surely fill his coach and any Wallabies fandom with plenty of confidence.

“He played in school and came through the rugby union pathway, so he played for Australia U18 schoolboys,” Schmidt added.

“So, he certainly has a rugby union pedigree albeit having played a few years of professional rugby league. Which has made him a really professional young man. At 21 years old, he is incredibly diligent around his preparation and that diligence pays off in the way that he performs.

“He’s still probably finding his feet in the game, there are subtleties that are very different, but with that diligent work ethic, that professionalism and the athleticism that he possesses, I thought it was a really confidence-boosting debut.”

Australia take on Wales next week, before Scotland and Ireland, with Suaalii likely to play a major role in their November tour.