Former England Rugby World Cup hero Jason Robinson has backed the decision to include former NRL star Joseph Sua’ali’i in Australia’s squad to face England on Saturday.
His comments came ahead of Joe Schmidt’s squad announcement today, with Sua’ali’i set to start at outside center for the decider at Twickenham.
The 21-year-old was poached by Rugby Australia earlier this year, signing a three-year deal said to be worth around $5 million.
The outside back, who has excellent high ball control and can break through defensive lines, left the Roosters earlier this year and began training with the Waratahs, notably earning plaudits from his new teammates and Schmidt.
He has also earned praise from Robinson and is now keen to follow the legendary England winger, who scored notably against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final, from the league to the union.
“It’s a great moment for him (Suaalii) because he’s coming into a team that’s going through challenges, so it’s a good time in a lot of ways to come in there and stake a claim for a spot during the Lions series.” said Robinson, speaking at the launch of the new British and Irish Lions jersey earlier this week.
“You don’t know what you’re going to be like until you get thrown in.”
A former England rugby international and code-switch has backed the decision to include Joseph Sua’ali’i in Australia’s squad to face England on Saturday.
Joe Schmidt (left) opted to field the former Sydney Roosters star at 13th for the clash.
Some concerns have been raised in recent weeks about the decision to include Sua’ali’i in Australia’s squad to face England, particularly considering his lack of experience playing high-level rugby.
Sua’ali’i had previously played in the union while in school, but has yet to make a professional appearance in the code.
“If you’re good enough, take it and see,” Robinson added. ‘As you go through this time of development and discovery, why not put it out there and see what it can do? “There’s no point in waiting until next year.”
“Sometimes people can make too much of the fact that you’re changing and focus on things you’re not used to, while actually the things I did well, when I came in, most people couldn’t do what I did.” I did”. “, said.
‘So you have to remain who you are and what you are. There will be times when you will get trapped, as I have on numerous occasions throughout my career.
‘But there will also be certain things that he does that very few people can do, so I would say… stick with what you’re good at. “He’s obviously very talented.”
Meanwhile, Schmidt has also allayed concerns about Sua’ali’i’s lack of union experience.
Jason Robinson, who also joined the union from the league, supported the decision
Robinson, speaking at the launch of the Lions’ new jersey, said: “There’s no point in waiting until next year.”
Sua’ali’i has impressed his coaches and teammates since joining the Wallabies.
The 21-year-old was poached by Rugby Australia earlier this year, signing a three-year deal said to be worth around $5 million.
The Australia coach said: “In an effort to build depth and stabilize the group we have, we see it as an opportunity rather than a risk and he has been excellent, which gives us confidence not to wait another week or two.” Or even next year.
Schmidt also explained that with Hunter Paisami and Samu Kerevi injured, choosing Sua’ali’i was the natural decision.
“We thought, especially with Hunter Paisani injured and Samu Kerevi coming in late, it was the best combination for us and a really good opportunity,” Schmidt told reporters.
“I think when a player starts, they have a little more training time with the team, so getting those reps with the team I think is an advantage when you’re trying to bring someone in for the first time.”