Joseph Suaalii fell as the Wallabies switched 6 to Wales

On By Littum

Australian center Joseph Suaalii has been dropped to the bench for the Wallabies’ clash with Wales on Sunday a week after his debut man of the match in a win over England.

The 21-year-old is one of six changes from the XV that triumphed at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, with the other five missing out on the squad entirely.

Samu Kerevi has returned to the starting line-up in place of the former NRL star, with Len Ikitau switching from inside center to outside centre.

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The other two changes in the backline see the injured Dylan Pietsch replaced by match-winner Max Jorgensen and veteran Nic White coming in for Jake Gordon in the No.9 jersey.

Allan Alaalatoa has returned to the starting XV in one of three changes to the pack, replacing Taniela Tupou at the helm and taking over the captaincy from the injured Harry Wilson.

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26

In Wilson’s place, Seru Uru starts at blindside flanker, with Rob Valetini switching to No.8 in his 50th Test.

The final change to the pack will see another overseas star, La Rochelle’s Will Skelton, pack up in the engine room in place of Jeremy Williams, who is out of the squad after a tryout in London.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “Last week’s Test was fast-paced and physical and we have brought some freshness to what will be another bruising encounter in Cardiff.”

“As a group we have worked hard this week knowing there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend.”

Australia XV
1. Angus Bell (33 tests)
2. Matt Faessler (13 tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (77 tests)
4. Nick Frost (22 tests)
5. Will Skelton (30 Tests)
6. Seru Uru (1 test)
7. Fraser McReight (23 tests)
8. Rob Valetini* (49 tests)
9. Nic White (70 tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (26 tests)
11. Max Jørgensen (4 tests)
12. Samu Kerevi* (49 tests)
13. Len Ikitau (36 tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (36 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (34 Tests)

Replacements
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (17 tests)
17. James Slipper (141 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (8 tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Lotto (37 tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (11 tests)
21. Tate McDermott (38 tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (14 Tests)
23. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (1 test)
*denotes 50th test