Wallabies legend reveals the one thing about Joseph Sua’ali’i’s game that everyone is overlooking after the NRL convert impresses on European tour

Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt certainly has plenty of things to smile about after his side’s spring tour to Europe, even if Australia might not quite achieve a Grand Slam.

Despite scoring one of rugby’s most dramatic wins against England at Twickenham, Australia slumped to defeats against Ireland and Scotland.

Coming up against his former side, Schmidt watched as Australia fought valiantly hard to put Ireland the distance in Dublin, but narrowly missed out on a win, suffering a 22-19 defeat.

All eyes will now be on next year’s Lions tour in Australia and there is plenty the hosts can be confident about having seemingly answered their critics over the past four months.

Questions loomed over the Aussies after their disappointing World Cup exit last year under Eddie Jones, but their resilience has seen them play brilliantly on their spring tour.

This weekend’s result at the Aviva Stadium, which saw European giants defeat Ireland by three points, showed the progress they have made.

Joe Schmidt’s Australian side have impressed on their spring tour of Europe despite failing to win the Grand Slam

Australia plays an exciting brand of rugby. Under Schmidt they are not afraid to throw the ball around, but they can combine that with brilliant play through their forwards.

One player who has excelled during the series is union newcomer Joseph Sua’ali’i, who was a doubt for this weekend’s match against Ireland after injuring his arm against Scotland.

Doubts had remained over the former Roosters star’s qualifications joining the Spring tour as the NRL convert, who signed a deal with Rugby Australia in a $5 million deal earlier this year, has never had previously played a game of union professionally.

His Twickenham Stadium debut was seen as a baptism of fire, but amid the maelstrom of Test rugby union, Sua’ali’i shone in what was a sensational debut.

And he has won praise from former Australian center Matt Giteau, who praised Sua’ali’i, 21, for his work rate.

“Not always perfect like everyone else and he is still growing in our game, but what no one really talks about is J Suaalii’s effort and work rate,” Giteau said.

“He’s all about it and his areas of effort aren’t talked about enough… Phenomenal talent, but his areas of effort are just as valuable.”

Sua’ali’i is a versatile player who is an astute operator in both attack and defense.

Sua’ali’i found himself in the maelstrom of international rugby union and was outstanding for Australia despite his limited experience

Wallabies legend Matt Giteau praised Sua’ali’i on social media, claiming his effort and work rate were excellent

Even his teammates have been impressed by his excellent skills, with winger Andrew Kellaway heaping praise on his teammate.

“I don’t know if throwing someone in at the deep end is the best way to do it, but it certainly worked quite well for us,” said an admiring Andrew Kellaway.

“We are very happy to have him. The first part about Joe is that he is incredible, what a professional!

“He’s 21 years old, and the kid is working, studying the game, his stretches, his rehab, his recovery, he’s a professional in every way, and he’s certainly rubbed that off on a lot of our guys.

“You’ve definitely seen a lot more guys starting to do that kind of thing, which is really cool, and I think it’s a really big pat on the back for him. He came right in, made a difference and added value.”

“Then you go on the field, and the guy is a freak, right? Lots of shades of Israel (Folau) there.

“We are very happy to have him. I don’t know how he found this tour. I think he enjoyed it, I hope he did, but he fits in well with the group.

“He’s a great guy. Very, very funny. He’s definitely built himself into our team and we feel like we have a close bond with him now.”

Giteau won 103 caps for Australia and also claimed next year’s Lions Tour will be a ‘crack’

Incoming Lions boss Andy Farrell also praised Sua’ali’i, claiming he ‘loved watching him play’ while the NRL convert was at the Roosters.

And former rugby league convert Andy Farrell, who will manage the Lions on their tour of Australia next summer, claimed he had been keeping a close eye on the inside centre.

“As a rugby league player he was great. I always enjoyed watching him play, especially in the State of Origins etc,” said Farrell.

“When he’s comfortable and doesn’t have to think too much – because that’s where he’ll be at the moment because it’s difficult to transition from the league – his skills are there for all of us to see.

“He’s a confident kid, and he’s an athlete too, so he’s definitely a good addition to rugby, good for all of us to watch.”