Joe Schmidt has only made one change to Australia’s starting XV before this weekend’s Test against England, but it is a big one. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 21 years old and 6ft 5in, has been picked to start his first ever game of professional rugby union. Suaalii has not played the code since he was a schoolkid, but, with only four Tests left on this tour before Australia’s first against the British & Irish Lions next year, Schmidt is running short of time to find out if Suaalii is up to international rugby union after his A$5m (£2.54m) switch from rugby league.
Schmidt admits it is a risk. “Everything is,” he said. “The thing that gives me confidence is how well Joseph prepares himself. He’s a very professional young man. He’s had plenty of experience both playing rugby union, and as a professional in rugby league. So hopefully he can hit the ground running.”
