Joseph Suaalii makes blunt revelation about taking on British and Irish Lions
Wallabies utility back Joseph Suaalii in action against Fiji and at training.
Wallabies utility back Joseph Suaalii is looking forward to the opportunity of testing his skills against the British and Irish Lions in their upcoming three-Test series.
Suaalii, who made a high profile switch from rugby league to rugby union at the end of last year, revealed that he was an interested spectator when the Lions last visited Australia 12 years ago.
The 21-year-old is set to be a vital cog in the Wallabies‘ machine when they host Andy Farrell’s troops in Brisbane on Saturday as well as further Tests in Melbourne on July 26 and in Sydney on August 2.
Vivid memories of 2013 Lions tour
Suaalii has vivid memories of the Lions‘ last visit to Australia in 2013 when the tourists clinched a 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies.
“I remember watching it. All the young kids sat on the floor, and I just remember being real close to the TV, watching it. [It’s] something so special as a kid that sparks you to do something great in your life,” he told reporters.
A Lions tour is one of rugby union’s biggest spectacles and Suaalii revealed that the chance of taking on the famous touring team at Test level was a major factor in his decision to switch codes.
“That was probably the biggest carrot for myself [coming to Union],” Suaalii explained.
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‘That was probably the biggest thing coming across’
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of something so special that happens every 12 years. That was probably the biggest thing coming across, to play for the Waratahs and play for the Wallabies.”
Suaalii also went into detail about his unique preparation and pre-match routine ahead of matches.
He will often be spotted under the posts using a series of visualisation and earthing techniques in order to settle his mind on the job at hand.
“I’m a pretty weird person. I think a lot of people know that,” he said with a smile.
“I like going to the field and just taking everything in, seeing my family, connecting with teammates, just enjoying the whole experience, especially these games.
“The next three, four weeks, it’s going to go so quickly so for myself, it’s honestly just taking it one minute.
“There’s no such thing as the perfect routine or the perfect thing. I feel like it chops and changes all the time, but I’m literally just trying things and seeing what works for me.”
