Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on wing as Valetini drops to bench
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing and Rob Valetini has been named on the bench for Australia’s Test against England at Twickenham. Wallabies coach
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing and Rob Valetini has been named on the bench for Australia’s Test against England at Twickenham. Wallabies coach Les Kiss is preparing for England to use its kicking game to put pressure on the hosts’ visitors.
Kiss selected Suaalii in the No. 11 jersey, pointing to his aerial skills as a key part of Australia’s response. He said the 21-year-old’s work under the high ball would be “massively important”.
Changes across the forward pack
Valetini, a two-time John Eales medallist and long-time starter in Australia’s back row, is the most prominent name among the replacements. Josh Canham’s return to the second row helped prompt Kiss to keep Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the starting side.
Jeremy Williams will move from lock to blindside flanker, wearing No. 6. He has played the position six times in Super Rugby across seven years, but has never started there in a Test.
A significant reshuffle.
Kiss backed Williams to handle the switch, saying it would build his versatility ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup. The move also gives Australia the option of calling on Valetini from the bench during the England match.
Australia’s response to England’s kicking game
The selection points to a focus on contesting England’s kicks, with Suaalii moved to the wing to contribute in the air. That role could be important if England’s pressure tactics force Australia to defend deep or compete for possession from kicks.
For Suaalii, the switch is a change in position for a high-stakes Test. His assignment will include helping Australia handle the aerial contest as well as carrying out the demands of the wing.
Williams’ first Test start at flanker is another area to watch. His earlier experience in the role came in Super Rugby, while Valetini’s place on the bench gives Kiss a proven back-row option to introduce during the match.
The England clash is scheduled for Monday morning Australian daylight time. Australia’s selection has set up a test of both Williams’ adaptability and Suaalii’s influence under the high ball.
