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All Blacks star Beauden Barrett says Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ‘changed the game’ for the Wallabies when he made his debut on the northern hemisphere tour – and revealed his stance on the Joe Schmidt coaching saga.
Barrett was standing alongside Suaalii at the Super Rugby Pacific launch in Sydney on Wednesday when he was asked about the Wallabies and Waratahs whiz kid in a live cross with Nine’s Today Show.
“How impressed are you by what you’ve seen of him in the Wallabies jersey? Are you nervous?” asked the TV host.
Barrett replied: “Look he changed the game for the Wallabies last year on the northern tour and as a rugby fan it was great to see him come from league and just play so well – so we’re all aware in New Zealand what this guy can do with the ball. It’s great for the game and great for this competition.”
Suaalii made his debut in the win over England at Twickenham and the English broadcasters awarded him their man of the match award.
He settled straight into the big time and looks set to make his Waratahs debut on Valentine’s Day against the Highlanders, despite missing the trial against the Brumbies with injury.
“I just had a bit of a hiccup throughout the week but I’m going well now,” said Suaalii. “We’ve got training today so I’m back into that and I’m getting ready for next Friday so I’m all good.”
Suaalii had been named to start at fullback against the Brumbies amid much debate about where the versatile back would best fit into the Waratahs’ star-studded backline.
But the 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters and NSW State of Origin rugby league representative is adamant he’s not fussed where he plays.
“Honestly. I’ve always played different positions growing up too, so I enjoy playing rugby and that’s the main thing,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“So I just see it as a number (on my back). I don’t see it as a defined position.”
Joseph Suaalii. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
The Tahs have strengthened since their shocker in 2024, and Barrett believes all four teams will be harder to conquer following the Rebels’ demise.
“Obviously losing the Rebels the other teams have gained a lot of strength from that with players going to the various teams,” Barrett said. “The Waratahs are looking fairly strong at this stage but it’s going to be a tough comp and we’re looking forward to getting into it.”
Meanwhile, Barrett was asked by reporters at the launch about the future of Schmidt – who is still to tell Rugby Australia of his plans after the British and Irish Lions tour. The on-going ‘will he or won’t he’ saga has been lingering for months.
Barrett said he expected a decision soon.
“I know how much of a value add he is to Rugby Australia and the Wallabies so as an All Black I hope that he doesn’t sign on but I know how good it will be for the Wallabies if he does,” said Barrett. “He’s a great man and great coach so I don’t know but I think he’ll know fairly soon what he wants to do.”
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