Suaalii to start for Australia against England

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (left) played his previous game of rugby union in 2019 for Australia Schoolboys

Autumn Nations Series: England v Australia

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday, 9 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start in the centres for Australia against England on Saturday at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium in his first professional rugby union game.

The 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters wing or centre recently switched from league in a three-year deal reportedly worth A$5.35m (£2.7m).

Suaalii, who played both codes growing up, last played rugby union for Australian Schoolboys in 2019.

“The thing that gives me confidence around Joseph is how well he prepares himself," said Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt.

"He's a very professional young man and hopefully he can hit the ground running in a couple of days’ time.

“Everything's a risk, but I would challenge that with ‘everything's an opportunity’, and it's a fantastic opportunity for a young man who's really excited about getting the chance.

“There are four test matches left this year before we embark on a massive Lions’ tour next year. So if not now, when? I think it makes some sense for him to play. It's unlikely it'll go perfectly, but it will be a benchmark that he can build from.”

Suaalii is joined in midfield by Len Ikitau, who starts at 12.

Regular starting inside centre Hunter Paisami was ruled out of the Wallabies' autumn tour after suffering a calf injury.

Suaalii's inclusion is the only change to the Wallabies starting XV that was beaten 33-13 by New Zealand in their last outing back in September.

Number eight Harry Wilson captains the side and is joined in the back row by Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini.

Taniela Tupou is part of an experienced front row, while Noah Lolesio takes the reins at fly-half.

There is no place in the matchday squad for former Saracens lock Will Skelton or centre Samu Kerevi, who has not played competitive rugby since his Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks finished their campaign in May.

"Playing in front of vocal home crowds in some of the most renowned rugby stadiums in the world is an exciting prospect, with many of the players on their first spring tour," added Schmidt.

Australia have lost their last three matches under Schmidt to finish bottom of this year's Rugby Championship.

Their last victory over England came in 2022, with that result being their only win over Borthwick's side since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Schmidt's side face all the home nations in their Autumn Nations Series, playing Wales in Cardiff next Sunday, before Scotland on 24 November, and finishing with Ireland, who Schmidt used to coach, on 30 November.

Australia: Wright; Kellaway, Suaalii, Ikitau, Pietsch; Lolesio, Gordon; Bell, Faessler, Tupou, Frost, Williams, Valetini, McReight, Wilson (capt).

Replacements: Paenga-Amosa, Slipper, Alaalatoa, Salakaia-Loto, Gleeson, McDermott, Donaldson, Jorgensen.