Less than a month after switching rugby codes, Joseph Sua’ali’i is set to make his debut for Australia as he has been selected to start in Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham.
The 21-year-old has been placed at outside centre for a significant tour-opening match against an England team that suffered a 24-22 defeat to New Zealand last weekend. Sua’ali’i last featured in the 15-man code as a winger in 2019 for Australian Schoolboys, contributing to a victory over New Zealand. Following that, he made a name for himself in rugby league, playing for Samoa during their journey to the 2022 World Cup final and in the State of Origin.
He signed a lucrative three-year contract with Rugby Australia, valued at A$5.3m (£2.7m), which extends until the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Sua’ali’i is the sole change to the team since their previous Test, a loss to the All Blacks in Wellington during the Rugby Championship. The Wallabies endured a challenging campaign, losing five out of six games and finishing last in the competition.
Fourteen of the players in the matchday 23 have not previously played at Twickenham. The Australian team lineup to face England includes Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell. The replacements are Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen.
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