Kiss makes crucial Suaalii call after naming first Wallabies squad
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Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry is the big winner from Les Kiss’ first Wallabies squad, named on Thursday to prepare for Tests against Japan on August 8 and 15.
Henry, 27, replaces John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau, who will miss the games to recover from an ankle injury.
Isaac Henry of the Reds runs with the ball. Getty
Tom Hooper, Zac Lomax and Tom Lynagh were among other players unavailable due to injury.
Powerful ball carrier Henry is the only uncapped player in a largely predictable squad of 34, which features recalls for Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and NSW Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea.
As forecast, James Slipper is not included as the Wallabies try to build some younger depth at loosehead prop.
No.8 Harry Wilson has been retained as captain while loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny, winger Corey Toole and centre Josh Flook missed out.
“Isaac has had some troubles with injuries over time, and he’s just worked so hard to get his body right, and I think we’re seeing the fruition of that work right now,” Kiss told reporters at Allianz Stadium.
“He has a capacity to play two positions really strongly, either 12 or 13. It’s a hard tough call for Flooky, he’s a good man as a 13, but we need to cover 12 and 13, and we know that he can cover wing too.
“He should be proud of what he’s done. He’s worked hard to get where he is.”
Salakaia-Loto, a 45-Test veteran, was a controversial snub by Schmidt after being named in the Super Rugby team of the season.
Kiss knows him well from his time with the Reds.
“It was a conversation, a robust conversation with the coaches, no-one’s guaranteed a position,” Kiss said.
“I make promises to no one. He’s worked hard, he had a game with the Baabaas, he’s ready, we’ll give him a chance to go in there. Lukhan is a big powerful figure, so to bring him into play, we just get to see him in the environment as well.”
New Wallabies coach Les Kiss poses for a portrait. Getty
Kiss added that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii would remain at outside centre despite growing outside calls for him to shift to the back three.
“I had a meeting with Joseph yesterday,” the former Kangaroos and Queensland league winger said.
“Strewth, he’s a big lad when you get really close to him, but he’s a super athlete, he’s a good footballer on many levels. I will be persisting at 13 with him at this stage, but I know that he can go to 15 and wing, and that’s important to acknowledge as well.”
There had been some speculation that Kiss might name his Reds captain Fraser McReight as Test skipper.
But McReight’s good mate Wilson will stay in the job, likely until next year’s home Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve talked about evolution rather than revolution and making sure we keep certain things consistent,” Kiss said.
“I’m happy with Harry and I spoke to him yesterday, and he wants to do the job. I’m really happy with what he’s done in his 23 Tests as skipper. I think he’s grown, and he wants to grow further.
“There were a couple of focuses, deepening certain positions, but I wanted to also keep consistency around positions like our halves. Largely the group is the same and I feel it’s only right that they get first feel of us.”
Unavailable for selection: Ethan Dobbins, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau, Zac Lomax, Tom Lynagh, Henry Robertson, Tom Robertson, Blake Schoupp, Will Skelton
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