Joseph Sua'ali'i, 21 years old and 6ft 5in, has been picked to start his first ever game of professional rugby union. Sua'ali'i has not played the code since he was a schoolkid, but, with only four Tests left on this tour before Australia's first against the British & Irish Lions next year, Schmidt is running short of time to find out if Sua'ali'i is up to international rugby union after his A$5m (£2.54m) switch from rugby league.
Schmidt admits it is a risk. "Everything is," he said. "The thing that gives me confidence is how well Joseph prepares himself. He's a very professional young man. He's had plenty of experience both playing rugby union, and as a professional in rugby league. So hopefully he can hit the ground running."
Schmidt's not the gambling sort. He refused to pick either Will Skelton or Samu Kerevi for this Test because he did not think they were ready yet after joining up with the squad at the beginning of this week.
This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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