Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has certainly got plenty of things to smile about following his side’s spring tour to Europe, even if Australia couldn’t quite clinch a Grand Slam.
Despite producing one of the most dramatic last-gasp victories in rugby against England at Twickenham, Australia slumped to defeats by Ireland and Scotland.
Coming up against his former side, Schmidt watched as Australia gallantly battled hard to take Ireland the distance in Dublin, but narrowly missed out on a victory, suffering a 22-19 defeat.
All eyes will now look to next year’s Lions tour in Australia and there is plenty for the hosts to be confident about having seemingly answered their critics over the past four months.
Off the back of their disappointing World Cup exit last year under Eddie Jones, questions had loomed over the Aussies, but with a spring to their step, they have played brilliantly during their spring tour.
This weekend’s result at the Aviva stadium, missing out to European giants Ireland by three points, showcased the strides they have made.
Joseph Sua’ali’i has enjoyed a flying start to his rugby union career, having recently jumped over to the code from the NRL
Joe Schmidt’s Australia side have impressed during their spring tour of Europe, despite not winning the Grand Slam
Australia are playing an exciting brand of rugby. Under Schmidt, they aren’t afraid to throw the ball around but can mix that up with some brilliant play through their forwards.
One player who has shone throughout the series is union newcomer Joseph Sua’ali’i, who had been a doubt for this weekend’s fixture against Ireland, after injuring his arm against Scotland.
Doubts had lingered over the former Roosters star’s credentials coming into the Spring tour, considering the NRL convert, who linked up with Rugby Australia in a $5million deal earlier this year, had never played a game of union professionally before.
His debut at Twickenham Stadium had been coined a baptism of fire, but amid the maelstrom of Test match rugby union, Sua’ali’i dazzled in what was a sensational debut.
And he has earned the plaudits from former Australia centre Matt Giteau, who praised Sua’ali’i, 21, for his work rate.
‘Not always perfect like everyone else & he’s still growing in our game but what no one really talks about is J Suaalii’s effort and work rate,’ Giteau said.
‘He’s all in and his effort areas aren’t talked about enough… Phenomenal talent but his effort areas are just as valuable.’
Sua’ali’i is a versatile player who is an astute operator both in attack and defence.
Sua’ali’i was thrust into the maelstrom of International rugby union, and despite his limited experience, has been outstanding for Australia
Wallabies legend Matt Giteau took to social media to lump praise on Sua’ali’i, claiming that his effort and work rate was excellent
Even his team-mates have been left in awe of his outstanding skills, with winger Andrew Kellaway lumping praise on his team-mate.
“I don’t know if throwing someone in the deep end is the best way, but certainly it’s worked pretty well for us,” said an admiring Andrew Kellaway.
“We’re pretty happy to have him. The first part about Joe is he is incredible, what a professional!
“He’s 21 years old, and the kid is on his stuff, studying the game, his stretching, his rehabbing, his recovering, he’s every bit the professional, and he’s certainly rubbed that off on a lot of our guys.
“You’ve certainly seen a lot more guys starting to do that sort of stuff, which is really cool, and I think a really big pat on the back for him. He’s come straight in, made a difference, and added value.
“Then you go onto the field, and the guy’s a freak, right? Lots of shades of Israel (Folau) there.
“We’re super glad to have him. I don’t know how he found this tour. I think he enjoyed it, I hope he did, but he’s fitted into the group well.
“He’s a great guy. Very, very funny. He’s certainly built himself into our team, and we feel like we’re close with him now.”
Giteau won 103 caps for Australia, also claimed that the next year’s Lions Tour is set to be a ‘cracker’
Incoming Lions boss Andy Farrell also lumped praise on Sua’ali’i claiming he ‘loved watching him play’ while the NRL convert was at the Roosters
And former rugby league convert, Andy Farrell, who will lead the Lions next summer on their tour of Australia, claimed he’d been keeping a close eye on the inside centre.
“As a rugby league player, he was awesome. I used to love watching him play, especially in the State of Origins, etc.,” Farrell said.
“When he gets comfortable and he’s not having to think too much – because that’s where he’ll be at this moment in time as it’s tough transferring over from league – his skill set is there for us all to see.
“He’s a confident kid, and he’s some athlete as well, so he’s certainly a good addition to rugby, good for us all to watch.”
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