English Woman's Journal - Australia expecting more magic from 'freak' Suaalii

Weather - London 6°C

Australia expecting more magic from 'freak' Suaalii

SPORTS 11.11.2024

Australia expecting more magic from 'freak' Suaalii / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was Monday hailed as a "freak" by his Australian midfield partner Len Ikitau after an eye-catching performance against England in his first game of professional rugby union.

Change text size:

The former rugby league star won the man-of-the-match award in the visitors' 42-37 win at Twickenham on Saturday and is now training his focus on Wales.

"He is a freak, man," Ikitau told a Wallabies press conference in Cardiff, ahead of Sunday's clash.

"Just being able to play next to him and see what he can do on the field is awesome. And we are just expecting more from him now he has had his first game.

"We saw all of that at training. He came in, he did what he needed to learn and just showcased his skills on the field.

"I thought it was awesome to see him defending the 13 channel. He just wanted to be involved and wanted to get the ball."

Warren Gatland's Wales are just one defeat away from a record 11th successive Test match loss after a 24-19 reversal against Fiji and the Wallabies will be confident of collecting a 10th win from their past 12 Cardiff visits.

Suaalii is set to be at the heart of that, and even if they have not faced him in person yet, Wales know all about him.

"Seriously impressive," was how Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe described Suaalii's masterclass.

"He made the game look pretty easy, didn't he?" Anscombe said. "But look, it is going to be a great challenge and I am sure he will probably start in the midfield.

"I thought he had a sensational debut. He was dangerous, good in the air and quite a rangy player."

R.Wilson--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: