Aweek after naming Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield for his run-on Test, Joe Schmidt pulled yet another surprise by shifting the new Wallabies star to the bench.
The experienced coach put the eye-popping decision down to managing his new shiny toy, saying the 21-year-old would benefit from having a “breath” after a “whirlwind two weeks”.
As first revealed by The Roar, Schmidt has instead called up Samu Kerevi for his 50th Test – and first since last year’s World Cup – as part of six changes to the side for their second Grand Slam Test on tour against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
It’s a stack of changes for a side that is still growing and not used to success, having won just two of their past seven Tests.
But with just three scheduled Test matches before hosting the Lions next July and August, Schmidt has determined that now is the right time to test his depth and work out if a couple of his overseas based stars can play in the crunch series.
“I’m confident that the guys coming in, I know will be fully committed to doing the job and connecting with the guys who did the job last week,” Schmidt said.
“And I think to be able to strengthen the squad, you need everyone to be involved at some stage, and I’ve no doubt we’ll make more changes going into Scotland, and then Ireland on the back of a six-day turnaround.”
Kerevi will be joined in the run-on side by last year’s World Cup skipper Will Skelton, who also was overlooked for the remarkable 42-37 victory at England – the first at Twickenham by the Wallabies in nine years and just their second from their past 12 Tests. The La Rochelle-based lock comes in for Jeremy Williams, who is nursing a hip complaint.
As forecast, Allan Alaalatoa returns at tight-head prop and captains the side in the absence of Taniela Tupou, who has been given a week to rest up his body after carrying a knee injury into the tour. Zane Nonggorr, the Queensland prop, will play his ninth Test off the bench.
While Seru Uru is the final change to the pack, coming in for his first start after debuting against the Springboks in August. It’s an intriguing return for a talented player whose sudden return is as perplexing as his quick exit after not being sighted since his brief stint off the bench in the wet in Perth.
Indeed, Schmidt could have promoted the hard-running Langi Gleeson into the side for the concussed Harry Wilson, but has once again kept the Waratahs back-rower on the bench to provide punch in the second half.
Will Skelton will play his first Test for the Wallabies since leading his nation to a World Cup victory against Georgia at the Stade de France on September 09, 2023 in Paris. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
There are three changes to the backline, with Kerevi’s return the headline act.
But Nic White’s return is just as surprising.
Few anticipated Jake Gordon would miss the Test after returning from a nasty gash in the second half against England, but White has come in and combines with his former Super Rugby teammate Noah Lolesio in the halves. Tate McDermott will once again provide spark from the bench.
Kerevi rekindles his partnership with Len Ikitau, having first played alongside the powerful centre during the 2021 Rugby Championship.
“It was a whirlwind for Joseph the last two weeks,” said Schmidt.
“Anyone who plays all consecutive Tests against the sort of countries that we’re up against here, I do think that’s a big challenge, and particularly playing the full 80 minutes.
“So for him to just be able to take a breath and watch a bit of the game and then enter the game, I think he’s a great opportunity for us to change it up a bit, if required.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been benched to accommodate Japan-based Samu Kerevi (R) against Wales. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
The final change is in the back three, with last week’s matchwinner Max Jorgensen promoted in place of the injured Dylan Pietsch (calf).
“Last week’s Test was fast-paced and physical and we’ve brought in some freshness for what’s going to be another bruising encounter in Cardiff,” said Schmidt, whose reign as Wallabies coach kicked off with consecutive narrow victories over Wales in July.
“As a group we’ve worked hard this week, knowing that there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend.”
The Wallabies will face a hurt Welsh side, who have yet to post a win in 2024 and suffered their tenth straight defeat last weekend – a 24-19 defeat to Fiji at home.
Indeed, Welsh coach Warren Gatland is under all sorts of pressure to keep his job and the critics are piling up, including from some of his loyal past players.
The latest shot came from former star midfielder Jamie Roberts, stating it was the “worst Wales had been in the professional era”
Gatland tried to change the narrative in recent days, but Roberts was having none of it.
“I am a non-executive with the Welsh Rugby Union and I am an honest pundit,” Roberts told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
“Those comments were made on the weekend about where Wales sit within the professional era.
“That is objective facts and not an opinion. The bit around Wales and progress, that’s my opinion.
“It’s never personal and I have a huge amount of respect for Warren and his coaching team, but I won’t apologise for making honest comments, that’s part and parcel for what we do as pundits.
“I am sure it’s water under the bridge for Warren, he has heard far worse.”
Joe Schmidt says he’s feeling more pressure heading into the Wales Test. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
Schmidt, who came up against Gatland during his entire reign with Ireland, said he wasn’t expecting the Test to be easy and said the pressure was on the Wallabies to deliver after their eye-catching win at Twickenham.
“This time last year, Wales put 40 points on the Wallabies, so it’s not like they’ve metamorphosed into a really bad team,” Schmidt said.
“It’s funny, I feel under more pressure than I was last week, because last week nobody expected us to win and suddenly when expectations shift, and you’re up against a team that are on a losing run, you’re expected to win.
“But it doesn’t actually mean anything in terms of the players running out and getting the job done.”
He added: “We have had a tendency to have a really good game and not be as good the next one. So, we have addressed that definitely within the group. Wales are a very dangerous team.”
The Wallabies are expecting Wales to once again target them in the maul, having struggled in the set-piece area in July. But it’s something Schmidt will hope Skelton can help stop, having built a reputation as one of the best in the business after years in England and France.
Wallabies team to play Wales at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
1. Angus Bell (33 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (13 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (77 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (22 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (30 Tests)
6. Seru Uru (1 Test)
7. Fraser McReight (23 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (49 Tests)
9. Nic White (70 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests)
11. Max Jorgensen (4 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (49 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (36 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (36 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (34 Tests)
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (17 Tests)
17. James Slipper (141 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (8 Tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (11 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (38 Tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (14 Tests)
23. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (1 Test)
