Aussie star Suaalii lies in wait as Lions campaign commences in Dublin
The British and Irish Lions get their campaign up and running against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on Friday night – but the three-Test series has got more daunting with cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in line to face Andy Farrell's side this summer.
The 21-year-old was recruited from rugby league side Sydney Roosters on a three-year-deal worth a reported Au$5.35million (€3m) and Suaalii made an immediate impact on rugby union during the autumn internationals with a star turn against England in Twickenham.
There were fears that the centre would have to sit out the series after he broke his jaw in a collision with New South Wales Waratahs teammate Andrew Kellaway in May. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action for Australia. Pic:But Suaalii is on course to feature against the Lions, with head coach Joe Schmidt naming him in a 36-player squad on Thursday. The former Leinster and Ireland coach has also included giant La Rochelle lock Will Skelton.
But veteran out-half James O'Connor has missed the cut. The 34-year-old has endured no shortage of disciplinary issues in the past, but the talented Australian back had found his best form since a galvanising move to the Crusaders this season.
O'Connor played a prominent role for the Wallabies against the Lions 12 years ago, starting all three Tests in the No10 shirt. But Schmidt has opted for Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at out-half for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6. James O'Connor playing with the Crusaders. Pic:'We've invested in three guys in that (No) 10 spot, and we felt trying to balance things up, we're going to keep investing in those guys,' said Schmidt.
'We didn't want to interrupt that. I'm not saying we got it right, I'm just saying that's what we chose to do.'
Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the large squad while Ulster-bound loosehead Angus Bell, backrowers Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and scrumhalf Tate McDermott are familiar faces.
Japan-based stalwarts Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete as well as Bordeaux No8 Pete Samu were all omitted. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
'Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,' Schmidt reasoned.
'As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.
'There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. 'This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.'
The Wallabies play Fiji on July 6 in Newcastle.
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