Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii: Rugby league convert labelled a ‘freak’ by Wallabies teammates after England defeat

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been hailed as “freak” and “great” with his Wallabies’ squadmates in awe of his striking debut in the gold shirt following the gilded code-hopper’s man-of-the match display against England at Twickenham.

The modest 21-year-old sounded as if being thrust into the international cauldron before he’s even played a game of senior club rugby was just child’s play as he put on a show for his folks and was left smiling: “Honestly, I had so much fun out there.”

Suaalii made it seem absurd that he’d not played a game of rugby union for five years as, for the most part, he looked as if he’d never been away from the sport he had lit up as a schoolkid.

Playing a full 80-minute part, helping create one try and proving influential with his excellent offloading, staying upright in the tackle and terrific high-ball challenging, the former NRL star was the toast of his more experienced teammates.

“Obviously, it was a baptism of fire. He’s put straight in there - but he was great, did his job, and he’ll learn. And he’ll get better,” was the glowing verdict of Fraser McReight, who reckoned Suaalii was key to their last-gasp winning try in the 42-37 victory.

From the restart after England had just gone ahead through a 79th minute Maro Itoje try, McReight noted: “I didn’t know what to feel. We had another minute to go, and what had been working us all game was ‘get Joseph up in the air’.

“He did that very well and we were able to get the ball back.”

Indeed, from the resultant scrum after Itoje knocked on under Suaalii’s keen attention, winger Max Jorgensen was able to be freed for the expertly-worked seven-phase winning score down the left edge.

Watched by his parents who had flown in to London, the highlight of the youngster’s tour de force came with a league-style pop pass over onrushing England defenders that sent Tom Wright away for Australia’s first score that launched their comeback.

“I just soaked up the whole moment of putting the Wallabies jersey on, it was a very special thing for my family and I,” Suaali said in a post-match TV interview.

“Honestly, I had so much fun out there, and I was just glad to get the win.”

Of his teammates heaping praise on him, he just added coyly: “Yeah, it’s good things that they’re saying, but I’ve come in, I’m 21 years old, and I feel like I’m just being myself. I’ve just loved the energy from all the boys.”

For coach Joe Schmidt, it felt like the reward for Suaalii’s efforts in training over the week.

“Joseph obviously got a few kick-offs back for us - he’s an aerial freak - but at the same time, it was a good learning experience,” said Schmidt, suggesting that people could now see why he was worth the ‘risk’ of playing.

“Particularly the way he prepared during the week, he was really professional. He was also really well supported (in the centres) by Lenny Ikitau, who was outstanding.

“He’s still probably finding his feet in the game - there are such subtleties that are very different - but with his diligent work ethic, that professionalism and the athleticism that he possesses, I thought it was a really confidence-boosting debut.”