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Australia have thrown rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii straight into their starting side for the clash with England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Suaalii is yet to feature in a senior game of rugby union but is backed at outside centre by Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt after making a shock switch of codes ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
His inclusion in midfield is the sole change to the side that began Australia’s final Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand as Schmidt sticks with a settled team.
Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio continue in the halves while Harry Wilson retains the captaincy at number eight.
“The side has adjusted well to the travel and have had a couple of trainings up here to prepare for what will be a very tough challenge on Saturday,” said Schmidt.
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Joe Suaalii starts on debut (Getty Images)
“Playing in front of vocal home crowds in some of the most renowned rugby stadiums in the world is an exciting prospect, with many of the players on their first tour.”
Suaalii played union as a schoolboy but forged an impressive career in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters since being given an exemption to make his debut before his 18th birthday.
Now 21, he has signed a deal with Rugby Australia (RA) reportedly worth in the region of £800,000 a year to join up with the Wallabies in a vital 12 months for the side.
Under new coach Schmidt, Australia finished bottom of the Rugby Championship and are preparing to host the British and Irish Lions next summer. They take on all four home nations this November.
There is no place in the 23 for either of the overseas-based pair Will Skelton or Samu Kerevi, who returned to the set-up ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Australia XV to face England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (3.10pm GMT, Saturday 9 November): 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Noah Lolesio; 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-11-07 13:35:27
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