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Joseph Suaalii labels England win 'fun', downplays praise

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been hailed as a “freak” and “great” with his Wallabies’ squadmates in awe of his striking debut in the gold shirt following the gilded code-hopper’s man-of-the-match display against England at Twickenham.

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The modest 21-year-old sounded as if being thrust into the international cauldron before he’s even played a game of senior club rugby was just child’s play as he put on a show for his folks and was left smiling: “Honestly, I had so much fun out there.”

Suaalii made it seem absurd that he’d not played a game of rugby union for five years as, for the most part, he looked as if he’d never been away from the sport he had lit up as a school kid.

Playing a full 80-minute part, helping create one try and proving influential with his excellent offloading, staying upright in the tackle and terrific high-ball challenging, the former NRL star was the toast of his more experienced teammates.

“Obviously, it was a baptism of fire. He’s put straight in there – but he was great, did his job, and he’ll learn. And he’ll get better,” was the glowing verdict of Fraser McReight, who reckoned Suaalii was key to their last-gasp winning try in the 42-37 victory.

From the restart after England had just gone ahead through a 79th-minute Maro Itoje try, McReight noted: “I didn’t know what to feel. We had another minute to go, and what had been working us all game was ‘get Joseph up in the air’.

“He did that very well and we were able to get the ball back.”

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Indeed, from the resultant scrum after Itoje knocked on under Suaalii’s keen attention, winger Max Jorgensen was able to be freed for the expertly-worked seven-phase winning score down the left edge.

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Watched by his parents who had flown in to London, the highlight of the youngster’s tour de force came with a league-style pop pass over onrushing England defenders that sent Tom Wright away for Australia’s first score that launched their comeback.

“I just soaked up the whole moment of putting the Wallabies jersey on, it was a very special thing for my family and I,” Suaali said in a post-match TV interview.

“Honestly, I had so much fun out there, and I was just glad to get the win.”

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Of his teammates heaping praise on him, he just added coyly: “Yeah, it’s good things that they’re saying, but I’ve come in, I’m 21 years old, and I feel like I’m just being myself. I’ve just loved the energy from all the boys.”

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For coach Joe Schmidt, it felt like the reward for Suaalii’s efforts in training over the week.

“Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us – he’s an aerial freak – but at the same time, it was a good learning experience,” said Schmidt, suggesting that people could now see why he was worth the ‘risk’ of playing.

“Particularly the way he prepared during the week, he was really professional. He was also really well supported (in the centres) by Lenny Ikitau, who was outstanding.

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

Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)

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Comments

3 Comments
B
BA 20 days ago

Who will be next one to switch over?

R
Red and White Dynamight 20 days ago

humble dude, he was sensational.

O
OJohn 21 days ago

After rugby league it must be fun.

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M
Mzilikazi 4 hours ago
'Welsh regional rugby has failed conclusively and there is no way back'

Thanks for the very comprehensive response, Rob. I have held off responding till I had seen the match v the WB's, and had a better look at Sam. I was interested that you knew him at Uni, played with him.


I thought overall he had a very good game. Was especially impressed by his passing, the timing and accuracy. Very good long passer. He kicks well out of hand, and strikes the ball well off the tee. His one miss could have been costly, but I would not put too much on that.


I did feel he did not pose a running threat, did to carry into contact enough, so the WB's defence was spared that worry.


I fully agree with you that Cullen now needs to give Sam and extended run at 10 for Leinster, not necessarily starting him in every game, but making sure he always gets significant game time, week in, week out.


I'm interested in your comment "if he had a bit more pace he’d have the potential to have sextons brains and bods skills." That would be some combination !


I also had a look at his background. I knew he was a Newbridge College lad, and see he played for them in the Cup Campaign that was never finished due to Covid restrictions. I remember that year well....pity as that was an all Kildare Final, with Clongowes the opponent. The big Dublin schools for once not featuring.


Same happened up in Ulster, two schools outside Belfast in the Final...Wallace and Armagh Royal. I follow Armagh from out here in Qld, as Kenny Hooks(6 caps for Ireland) had built a small school up to being one of the best in Ulster over 40 plus years coaching there. I coached Kenny for five years...Medallion/U 15 and first XV.. at Bangor GS.


Signing off, just hope and pray Sam Prendergast remains free of any serious injury, and we see him develop over the next 10 plus years.

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