Wallabies star 'expects more' from 'freak' Joseph Suaalii after debut: Planet Rugby

Wallabies center Len Ikitau has praised the debut of ‘freak’ Joseph Suaalii but now expects 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 win – his first Rugby Union game since school.

“I just expect more from him”

Ikitau formed a deadly midfield partnership with the cross-code man at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday and spoke to the media ahead of the match. Wallabiesclash with Wales this weekend, he was full of praise for his partner-in-crime.

‘He’s a crazy man. It’s great to be able to play alongside him and see what he can do on the pitch. I just expect more from him now that he has played his first game,” he said.

He added: “I loved watching him defend in the 13th channel. I know 13th is quite difficult to defend and I thought he was great in that area. Then he just wanted to be involved and get the ball. , so that was good.”

Joseph Suaalii has hailed Joe Schmidt’s coaching impact after brilliant Wallabies debut

Some would argue it was a bold call from Schmidt to chuck Suaalii at the deep end given his long absence from the 15-man match, but Ikitau was quick to point out that his hard work in training made it clear he was up for the challenge.

“To be honest, we all saw that in training,” he said. “He came in and learned exactly what he needed to learn and just showed it on the field. It was great to see.”

Moving to 12

With Suaalii in 13th place, Ikitau was pushed out of his natural spot to 12. However, he said he did not want to change too much in his game despite the new position.

“I told myself I’m going to play center,” he said. “I played 13 all my 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 about the way I wanted to play.”

Ikitau and the rest of the Wallabies team now prepare to clash with familiar foes Walesa team they defeated twice in a row during the July window as they look to continue their march towards a first Grand Slam for 40 years.