Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii might have delivered one of the great performances on debut, but Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt looks set to slam the brakes on the new face of Australian rugby.
Indeed, a week after leading the Wallabies to a famous upset win at the home of rugby at Twickenham against England, Schmidt, it is understood, will shift Suaalii back to the bench for Monday’s (3:10am AEDT) crunch Grand Slam Test against Wales in Cardiff.
In his place will come Japan-based Samu Kerevi, The Roar understands. The move will reignite Kerevi with Len Ikitau, who first blossomed as a partnership against the Springboks in 2021.
Allan Alaalatoa will replace Taniela Tupou as starting tight-head and assume the captaincy off injured Harry Wilson. Meanwhile, Seru Uru, who was yellow-carded against the Springboks in his only Wallabies Test so far, is a chance to come in at No.6 to allow Rob Valetini to replace Wilson at No.8.
Will Skelton will come into the team with Jeremey Williams potentially dropping out.
But with time running out ahead of next year’s Lions series to discover more about his depth, Schmidt has seemingly decided it’s time to find out with his own eyes whether Kerevi still has something left to give in his meaty legs.
The Test will be Kerevi’s first since last year’s World Cup, where the experienced 31-year-old was predominantly used as a crash-ball inside centre under Eddie Jones.
Samu Kerevi is set to return to the Wallabies’ fold, with one-Test back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii expected to drop back to the bench. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Just as pertinently, it will only be the 49-Test midfielder’s second match in six months after late last month playing a trial for his Japanese side the D-Rocks.
Schmidt could have shifted Suaalii onto the wing to cover the injured Dylan Pietsch (calf), but it’s believed Max Jorgensen will be promoted instead following his match-winning try at Twickenham last weekend.
One final change in the halves could be possible too, with Nic White a chance to return in the No.9 jersey if it’s determined Jake Gordon isn’t fit after copping a nasty gash in the first half against England.
Schmidt is expected to make several changes to his forward pack, with Uru shaping as the big winner because of Wilson’s concussion.
The 27-year-old made his debut off the bench during the Wallabies’ heavy defeat to the Springboks in Perth, but was quickly dispensed with following his frustrating brief cameo where he was shown a yellow card for collapsing the maul.
Skelton is expected to come into the side for Jeremy Williams, while there’ll be at least one change to the front-row with Alaalatoa promoted for Tupou.
Although Tupou came under fire for his performance against England, it’s believed the giant tight-head prop has been carrying a knee injury that almost saw him miss the entire tour. But with Schmidt short of world class options in the No.3 jersey, Tupou was encouraged to tour.
Samu Kerevi runs past Joe Schmidt at Wallabies training in London. Photo: Julius Dimataga, Wallabies Media
Although Warren Gatland’s Welsh side is copping it from every corner following a tenth straight defeat, the latest being a historic 24-19 loss to Fiji at home, the Wallabies are bracing themselves for a tough outing.
Indeed, it was only back in July the Wallabies got pushed right until the death against Gatland’s young side in Australia.
Despite the Welsh maul having Australia’s on roller-skates, the Wallabies got out of jail twice when the visitors mucked up a couple of late lineouts.
It’s something the Wallabies are acutely aware of and it’s one of the reasons why Skelton’s presence will likely be welcomed back to the fold.
Despite Gatland going early by naming his side some 96 hours before kick-off, Schmidt will leave it as late as possible and confirm his matchday squad on Saturday (12:30am AEDT).
