He is known as the Wallabies’ foremost code-switcher, and there are growing calls for him to settle on a position that makes the most out of his unquestionable abilities. But Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has other ideas. Speaking at the NFL fan festival on Thursday to promote next year’s Rugby World Cup matches in Melbourne, Suaalii said he had no plans to specialise in just one on-field role.
Myself, I know I can play 12, I know I can play 13, I know I can play fullback, I know I can play wing, hopefully when I’m a little bit older I can play 10 as well. He has largely played centre for the Wallabies, with only rare opportunities in the backfield. Prop James Slipper, who remains an emergency option for the Wallabies for next year’s tournament despite his formal international retirement, said Australia needs to find a way to maximise Suaalii’s impact.
No 8 Harry Wilson was named as skipper for the rest of the year, but with competition in the back row Wilson’s place in the XV is not guaranteed. Rugby league recruits Mark Nawaqanitawase, Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton are also in contention for the World Cup side but there is precious little time for experimentation before the tournament kicks off with Australia v Hong Kong in Perth in October next year. Ryan Lonergan appears to have cemented his place at scrum half, but at fly half the Wallabies have been unable to settle since the last World Cup, and Carter Gordon broke his leg against Argentina and will now miss the coming matches against South Africa and New Zealand.
Veterans Bernard Foley, 37, and James O’Connor, 36, have also returned to Australian Super Rugby clubs ahead of the World Cup. Slipper said they were serious about their Wallabies ambitions. They’ve got a lot of experience, both those players, and essentially it’s going to come down to who’s in good form, who’s performing at the time.”
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