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Joseph Suaalii dropped as Wallabies change 6 for Wales
By Josh Raisey
Australia centre Joseph Suaalii has been dropped to the bench for the Wallabies’ meeting with Wales on Sunday a week after his player of the match debut in a victory over England.
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The 21-year-old is one of six changes from the XV that triumphed at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, with the other five missing out on the squad completely.
Samu Kerevi has returned to the starting line-up in place of the former NRL star, with Len Ikitau shifting from inside centre to outside centre.
The two other changes made in the back line see the injured Dylan Pietsch replaced by match-winner Max Jorgensen and veteran Nic White come in for Jake Gordon in the No 9 jersey.
Allan Alaalatoa has returned to the starting XV in one of three changes in the pack, replacing Taniela Tupou at tighthead, and taking over the captaincy from the injured Harry Wilson.
In Wilson’s place, Seru Uru will start at blindside flanker, with Rob Valetini shifting to No 8 in his 50th Test.
The final change in the pack will see another overseas star, La Rochelle’s Will Skelton, pack down in the engine room in Jeremy Williams’ place, who is out of the squad after a try-scoring display in London.
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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “Last week’s Test was fast-paced and physical and we’ve brought in some freshness for what’s going to be another bruising encounter in Cardiff.”
“As a group we’ve worked hard this week, knowing that there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend.”
Australia XV
1. Angus Bell (33 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (13 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (77 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (22 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (30 Tests)
6. Seru Uru (1 Test)
7. Fraser McReight (23 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini* (49 Tests)
9. Nic White (70 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests)
11. Max Jorgensen (4 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi* (49 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (36 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (36 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (34 Tests)
Replacements
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (17 Tests)
17. James Slipper (141 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (8 Tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (11 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (38 Tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (14 Tests)
23. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (1 Test)
*denotes 50th Test
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Suaalii has without doubt the potential, skill and class to become a top player. No need to have him play 80 minutes every game early in his union career. The year end tests have always been used as a testing ground for potential and fringe players. If he avoids injury he'll be a great. Besides, Kerevi is no slouch, certainly up there in the top 3 No 12's and can also move to 13 if needed.
As predicted, this is what kiwi coaches do in Australia. Constantly chop and change the team so Australian players can't get settled in one position and become a threat to the All Blacks. It's very cunning but we know what's going on .....
I believe the word 'Dropped' is poorly used to describe the fact that a player preferred by the coaching staff to come from the bench for impact later in a match. The word Dropped should only be used if the said player has under performed and is to observe the match/game from the stand! Journalists should report facts not seek to sensationalize everything they write. Report facts please.
Man of the Match curse strikes again.
He was awarded MOM by someone who does not understand the game. Bell, Valentini and others were streets ahead of him. The decision to play Kerevi is correct.