Wallabies forced into changes for Kiss’ daunting Bledisloe debut
Updated . First published at
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s switch to the wing appears here to stay after the code-hopping superstar was named in the No.11 jersey for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.
As forecast by nine.com.au, John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau has returned to inside centre after passing a fitness test on his bruised ankle and will be paired in the midfield by Isaac Henry of the Queensland Reds.
Len Ikitau makes a break to score a try against the Springboks. Getty Images
Henry has replaced the suspended Hunter Paisami in the starting lineup.
“He’s earned it. A quality person, first and foremost. An exceptional team-mate and a team-first person,” Wallabies coach Les Kiss told media in Auckland.
“He works hard in his craft, and he just happens to be bloody talented too so it’s a good combination... he can play 12, 13. He’s quite dynamic, as is Lenny, and having someone from Lenny’s ilk and experience is very helpful as well.
“So just be yourself and back your skill-sets. He knows how to work out our structure or the way we play and knows that inside out, so he’ll be fine. I’m really pleased for him, and he’s ready.”
Suaalii impressed in his first Test start on the wing in last month’s 42-38 win over the Springboks in Perth, with his aerial prowess on full display.
Suaalii will go head-to-head with record All Blacks try-scorer Will Jordan in a fascinating match-up out wide.
“We know he can jump back into the midfield during the game, that’s a big thing,” Kiss said.
“It’s a shame to lose Hunter, but we know Zac (Henry) has really done well in the opportunities he’s had, and he’s impressed in training so that’s a fairly simple decision in the end.
“We just want to persist with that continuity of that back three and see how that can go for another week, for sure. We know that aerial game is pretty important and both Max (Jorgensen) and Joseph did very well last week.
“I’ve no doubt it’s going to be important again, so fingers crossed that works.”
Henry is the only change to the starting XV, but Kiss has been forced to shuffle his bench with key forwards Taniela Tupou and Tom Hooper unavailable.
Massimo De Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny will get opportunities off the bench in Auckland while Kiss has reverted to a traditional five/three split on his bench, with Declan Meredith providing play making cover.
“Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game,” Kiss said.
“There aren’t many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it’s one we’re excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game."
Wallabies (15-1): Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter
All Blacks (15-1): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (c), Ethan de Groot
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
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