Wallabies’ simple plan to get Suaalii firing against Fiji and Lions

Wallabies centre Len Ikitau has a simple game plan heading into Sunday’s Test against Fiji in Newcastle and the British and Irish Lions series that will follow – get the ball to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii as often as possible, and let the rest take of itself.

Ikitau and Suaalii are set to renew their midfield combination for the first time since they lined up together in four Tests on last year’s spring tour of the United Kingdom.

While Ikitau, with 40 Test caps under his belt, is very much the senior partner, he is more than content to play second fiddle to Suaalii, who even in the formative phase of his international rugby union career is regarded as the Wallabies’ most dangerous strike weapon.

Usually an outside centre, Ikitau will move one spot infield to accommodate Suaalii and understands that the more time the towering 21-year-old spends in possession, the more impact he will have.

“I think it’s knowing when he wants the ball,” Ikitau said. “Being a 13 [outside centre], I have a really good connection with the 12 [inside centre] or the 10 [five-eighth], and they know when I want the ball and how I like to get the ball.

“So it’s just making sure that whenever I’m in a position to set the outside guys up, just taking those opportunities when they come … I know the feeling when you’re at 13 and you don’t really get the ball as much, or you try to come in and get some carries.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return from a broken jaw against Fiji on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images

“I’ll just be making sure that I’m in good positions so that our outsides are getting the ball with the space.”

While Suaalii played outside centre on the spring tour, the former Sydney Roosters and NSW Origin flyer was deployed at fullback by the Waratahs during the Super Rugby season, before he suffered a fractured jaw that has sidelined him for six weeks.

Ikitau was confident their partnership would continue to evolve and improve after the four Tests in the UK, adding it didn’t matter what position Suaalii played, he had the talent to adapt and succeed.

“He’s a natural footballer,” Ikitau said. “He knows how to play whatever position he gets put in. But for us, it’s just trying to get combinations in our training and trying to defend together, attack together … we saw on the spring tour there just the kind of plays that he comes up with.”

Len Ikitau scores against Wales last year.Credit: AP

As well as his athletic ability, Ikitau said Suaalii had shown in his four Test appearances that he was “smart in defence and attack” and was his own harshest critic.

Ikitau believes the Fijians’ unpredictable, flamboyant brand of football – best illustrated by their boilover 22-15 win against Australia at the last World Cup – would be the ideal preparation for the blockbuster campaign against the Lions.

“You don’t know what to expect from Fiji when you play them,” he said. “Anything can happen. And I think with the Lions, they’ve got four different countries coming together and playing for the one team.

“So it’s just making sure that you’re ready for whatever. And it’s no different with the Fiji team this week. So just preparing for whatever and just making sure that we’re on our game.”

Darcy Swain is a key man in Australia’s lineout.Credit: Getty Images

Recalled lock Darcy Swain had a chance to run his eye over the Lions last weekend when he played in a Western Force side outgunned 54-7 by the tourists.

Swain, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2021 and has appeared in 17 Tests, said the Lions were a level above most international teams.

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“It was pretty tough,” he said. “They’re a very skilful side and they’re big, they’re physical. They’re just a really good side.

“Just think of any sort of northern hemisphere side, they’re just a little bit better, obviously, because they’re a combination of all four nations. They’re obviously a lot better and they dusted us up.”

Meanwhile, Wallabies forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are reported to be in doubt for the clash with Fiji after suffering calf strains. The first Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane.

All nine matches of The British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are live & on demand on Stan Sport, with Wallabies Tests in 4K. All Test matches live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now.

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