CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Joseph Sua’ali’i will be among Australia’s replacements for the test match against Wales on Sunday, a week after making a stunning debut in senior rugby in the Wallabies’ win at England.
Sua’ali’i, who only switched from rugby league last month, dropped to the bench to accommodate the return of Samu Kerevi at inside center. Kerevi will play his 50th test for Australia and his first international since last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Seru Uru will make his first start, in just his second test, after coming in to replace injured No. 8 Harry Wilson, who is going through concussion protocols. Rob Valetini, also set for his 50th test, will switch to play No. 8 to allow Uru at flanker.
Will Skelton, who plays in France with La Rochelle, was picked for his first test of 2024 while scrumhalf Nic White and winger Max Jorgensen came in for Jake Gordon and the injured Dylan Pietsch, respectively.
Allan Alaalatoa took the captaincy from fellow prop Angus Bell, who led the team in the 42-37 win at Twickenham.
“Last week’s test was fast-paced and physical and we’ve brought in some freshness for what’s going to be another bruising encounter in Cardiff,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.
Wales has lost 10 straight matches, tying its all-time record. Included in that run were two defeats by the Wallabies in July Down Under.
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Australia: Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Max Jorgensen, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Matt Faessler, Angus Bell. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Joseph Sua’ali’i.
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