Rugby Needs Wallaby ‘superstar’ Suaalii Says Wales Coach Gatland
Wales coach Warren Gatland believes that “the game needs superstars” as his struggling team prepares to face Australian star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on Sunday.
The 21-year-old centre made a spectacular debut in rugby union last weekend, earning man-of-the-match honors in Australia’s thrilling 42-37 win over England at Twickenham. Suaalii’s performance came just weeks after his high-profile switch from rugby league, and he impressed with a stunning one-handed pass that set up Tom Wright’s opening try for the Wallabies.
Suaalii, described as an “aerial freak” by Australia coach Joe Schmidt, will look to carry that form into Cardiff as the Wallabies aim to extend their record of 10 consecutive Test victories over Wales.
Gatland praised Suaalii’s ability to offload the ball under pressure. “I think the impressive thing about him was his off-loading game—just being able to get the ball away,” Gatland said. “He didn’t get many opportunities to attack with the ball, but he showed great skill by getting the ball away for a try without holding onto it.”
The veteran coach also noted that Suaalii quickly adapted to the international level. “I thought he fitted in pretty well for someone playing his first professional game at Twickenham,” Gatland added. “The game needs people like that. We need superstars, and for him to be named man-of-the-match and create that kind of hype is important.”
Gatland acknowledged that rugby in Australia is looking for a boost, and hopes Suaalii’s rise could provide just that, especially with the Swans involved in the AFL final.
Wales will face Australia after a disappointing 24-19 defeat to Fiji last weekend. The loss means Wales have now gone over a year without a Test win since their victory over Georgia at the 2023 World Cup.
