Jason Robinson, the most successful cross-code rugby player of the modern era, is backing Australia’s newest league convert to make an instant impact if he is parachuted into Saturday’s Test against England. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is in line to feature in a Wallaby jersey for the first time and could even start despite not having played a single game of professional union.
Australia are desperately hoping the 21-year-old Suaalii will be the catalyst who transforms their recent fortunes, not just in their forthcoming November Tests but in next year’s three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions. If the former Sydney Roosters back does make his debut at Twickenham, Robinson is among those who believe he may surprise a few people.
Robinson, who played Test rugby for the Lions before he had started a match for England at union, says the talented Sualii simply needs to focus on the things he can do rather than fret about his lack of top-level union experience. “Sometimes people put too much emphasis on the fact you’ve switched over and focus on the stuff you’re not used to,” said Robinson, who famously scored a brilliant early try in his first Test for the Lions against the Wallabies in Brisbane in 2001.
“When I came in I found most people couldn’t do what I did. I think you’ve got to stick to who you are and what you are. Just play your own game. There are going to be times when you get caught out, as I was numerous times over my career. But then there will be certain things he does that very few people will be able to do. He’s got a lot of talent and I’m sure he’ll get the opportunity, it’s just a matter of time.”
Suaalii has some previous experience of playing union as a schoolboy but was selected for this tour despite having played no competitive senior 15-a-side rugby since his reported £2.6m switch from league. Robinson, though, believes the fact the Wallabies are rebuilding could just help him. “It’s a good time in a way to get in there and stake a claim,” said Robinson, speaking at the launch of the 2025 British and Irish Lions jersey designed by Canterbury.
“Clive Woodward threw me in off the bench three times for England. But if Joseph’s good enough get him in and see. There’s no point waiting until next year. Why not see what he can do? I hope he plays on Saturday and then we’ll find out. You don’t know how you’re going to be until you’re thrown in.”
Robinson also insists newcomers from league do not have to be familiar with every single detail of union. “I started a Lions Test after I’d been in the game for seven months. I knew almost nothing about the technicalities, the breakdown or driving mauls. In so many different aspects of the game I didn’t have a clue but I knew how to beat people. When you know how to do that and score tries you can cover some of the other stuff up. He’ll need some other players to cover some of those mistakes. Thankfully when I came into rugby union with the Lions and England I had that.”
According to Robinson, who went on the win the 2003 World Cup with England, scoring a try in the final against Australia, it ultimately boils down to having a can-do mindset. “I captained England and I still didn’t have a clue what was going on with some things. But while there are lots of differences, it’s still rugby. The objective is the same. You’ve got to attack, you’ve got to beat people, you’ve got to defend. A lot of things will come easy to him.
“Most people would be put off doing it because there are a lot of risks. There are times when you’re going to get it wrong and there’s a lot of criticism. But I look back at my career and realise that blends into insignificance when I think about all the great things I’ve been able to do. What an opportunity this is for him.”
