Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to debut for Wallabies against England

November 07, 2024
536
Ultimate Rugby

The former Australian Schoolboys and Under 18s representative has been selected at outside centre and will partner Len Ikitau in the midfield for the Wallabies in their first Test of the 2024 Spring Tour.

Suaalii is the only change to the starting XV from the side’s last Test against New Zealand in Wellington with Angus Bell, Matt Faessler and Taniela Tupou making up the front row.

There are a total of 14 players in the matchday 23 who will play at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for the first time, including second row pairing of Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams who start together for the fourth consecutive Test.

The backrow sees 2024 John Eales Medallist, Rob Valetini start at blindside flanker, with Fraser McReight on the openside and captain Harry Wilson at the back of the scrum.

Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio will partner in the halves for the sixth time this season as the men in gold kick off their first Grand Slam opportunity since 2016.

Dylan Pietsch retains his spot on the left edge after making his starting debut in Wellington, with Andrew Kellaway named on the right edge and Tom Wright at fullback.

Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa make up an experienced replacement front row.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will bring further experience off the pine as the substitute second rower, with Langi Gleeson to provide impact in the loose forwards.

Queensland’s Tate McDermott is the replacement scrumhalf with the versatile Ben Donaldson providing cover in a number of positions across the backline. Max Jorgensen rounds out the matchday 23, for what will be his first Test in the Northern Hemisphere.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “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.”

“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 Spring Tour.”

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Wallabies team to play England at Allianz Stadium in London on Saturday November 9 at 3:10pm GMT/2:10am AEDT (Sunday)

1. Angus Bell (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

2. Matt Faessler (12 Tests) – USQ Saints

3. Taniela Tupou (56 Tests) – Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (21 Tests) – Hornsby Lions

5. Jeremy Williams (8 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (48 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (22 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (19 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (27 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings