Wallabies star ‘expecting more’ from ‘freak’ Joseph Suaalii after ‘awesome’ debut
Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii formed a fine partnership in Australia's 42-37 win last weekend
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau has lauded the debut display of “freak” Joseph Suaalii, but is now expecting more from the Rugby League convert.
The former Sydney Roosters, New South Wales and Samoan Rugby League star announced himself to the world with a Player of the Match display in Australia’s 42-37 victory – his first game of Rugby Union since school.
“I’m just expecting more from him”
Ikitau formed a deadly midfield partnership with the cross-code man at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and speaking to the media ahead of the Wallabies‘ clash with Wales this weekend, he was full of praise for his partner-in-crime.
“He’s a freak man. Just being able to play next to him and seeing what he can do on the field is awesome. I’m just expecting more from him now he’s had his first game,” he said.
He added: “I thought it was awesome to see him defending in the 13 channel – I know as a 13 it’s pretty hard to defend and I thought he was great in that space – then, he just wanted to be involved and get the ball, so that was good.”
Joseph Suaalii hails Joe Schmidt’s coaching impact after brilliant Wallabies debut
Some would argue it was a bold call from Schmidt to chuck Suaalii in at the deep end, given his long absence from the 15-man game, but Ikitau was quick to point out his hard work at training made it clear to see he was ready for the challenge.
“Honestly, we saw all of that in training,” he said. “He came in and learned exactly what he needed to learn, and just showcased that on the field. It was awesome to see.”
Moving to 12
With Suaalii slotting in at 13, it pushed Ikitau out of his natural spot and into 12, however, he said he didn’t want to change too much about his game despite the new position.
“I just said to myself I’m going to play as a centre,” he said. “I’ve played 13 my whole career and I didn’t want to change anything.”
“I wanted to make sure I was tackling well and attacking the ball well. I didn’t want to change too much in terms of the way I wanted to play.”
Ikitau and the rest of the Wallabies squad now prepare for a clash with familiar foes Wales, a side they beat twice in a row during the July window, as they look to continue their march to a maiden Grand Slam for 40 years.
