Suaalii returns as Wallabies name side for Fiji
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii had not played a professional game of rugby union until November
- Published
Australia's code-crossing star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has recovered from a fractured jaw to renew his midfield partnership with Len Ikitau against Fiji on Sunday.
The 21-year-old required jaw surgery, that made it so hard to eat he lost 5kg in weight, after a collision with NSW Waratahs' team-mate Andrew Kellaway in May.
Suaalii, who despite playing six of his seven Super Rugby Pacific games at full-back, is named at outside centre - where he made his international debut against England in November.
The fixture in Newcastle is the Wallabies' only warm-up game before they play the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on 19 July in Brisbane.
Back rower Rob Valetini, lock Will Skelton and scrum-half Jake Gordon, who will all likely feature against the Lions, miss out on the fixture through injury.
"I'd be very confident all three of those guys will be ready to train at the start of the week for that first lead-in to the British and Irish Lions first test," Australia head coach Joe Schmidt said.
"But for this week, it was probably a week too soon."
Valetini, who started at blind-side flanker against Ireland in the Australia's last Test in November, has been replaced by NSW Waratahs' Langi Gleeson, with Western Force's Jeremy Williams partnering 80-cap Nick Frost in the second row.
Brumbies' Noah Lolesio has been named at fly-half alongside scrum-half Tate McDermott.
Fiji are looking for a first win in Australia in over 70 years, having defeated the Wallabies 22-15 at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne makes eight changes from his starting XV that were hammered 52-17 in their last outing in November against Ireland.
Former New Zealand rugby sevens player Salesi Rayasi has been named at full-back for his Fiji debut.
The 28-year-old has been playing in the Top 14 for Vannes and will follow his father Filipe in playing for the Pacific Island side at full-back.
He is one of two uncapped players in the match-day squad, with Fijian Drua scrum-half Philip Baselala named on the bench.
Bristol Bears wing Kalaveti Ravouvou and number eight Viliame Mata both start.
Fijian Drua's Iosefo Masi and Racing 92's Josua Tuisova form a powerful midfield combination.
Line-ups
Australia: Wright; Potter, Suaalii, Ikitau, Jorgensen; Lolesio, McDermott; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Williams, Gleeson, McReight, Wilson (capt).
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Nonggorr, Hooper, Tizzano, White, Donaldson, Daugunu.
Fiji: Rayasi; Ravouvou, Masi, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Muntz, Kuruvoli; Mawi, Ikanivere (capt), Ravai, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Tagitagivalu, Canakaivata, Mata.
Replacements: Matavesi, Hetet, Doge, Vocevoce, Tuisue, Baselala, Ravula, Maqala.