The National Times - Suaalii to start for Wallabies against Ireland

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Suaalii to start for Wallabies against Ireland

SPORTS 28.11.2024

Suaalii to start for Wallabies against Ireland / Photo: © AFP

Cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will partner Len Ikitau in midfield for Australia's season-ending Test against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

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It will be the third time Suaalii, who switched to union after starting his professional career in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters, combines with Ikitau on the Wallabies' Grand Slam tour of Europe.

Suaalii had been a doubt after going off against Scotland last Sunday with a wrist injury.

Tane Edmed is in line to become the 19th Australian debutant this year, selected to come off the bench, while Harry Wilson skippers the side from No 8.

"It's been a challenging year where we have grown a bit as a squad, and we have an opportunity to challenge ourselves again against what is a settled and cohesive Ireland team," said Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

Schmidt, who coached Ireland between 2013-19, has overseen victories over England (42-37) and Wales (52-20) before a 27-13 defeat by Scotland last week.

That loss dashed his side's hopes of emulating the 1984 Grand Slam-winning Wallaby tourists.

Team (15-1)

Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost; Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed, Harry Potter

F.Harris--TNT

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