Anna 
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his highly anticipated Super Rugby debut at fullback for the NSW Waratahs in their season opener against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. After missing the Waratahs’ final trial match against the Brumbies due to a knee injury, the $5 million rugby recruit is now fully fit and ready to take the field for the first time in the blue jersey.
Suaalii had originally been named to play fullback in the trial match at Bowral but was a late withdrawal. However, he will don the same number 15 jersey worn previously by his fellow code-hopper and friend, Israel Folau. This shift to fullback comes as a surprise, as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt had deployed Suaalii at outside centre during the Spring Tour late last year. His move to fullback for the Waratahs adds another layer to the competition for positions in the Australian backline ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour in July.
The Waratahs’ starting lineup features a blend of experience and fresh talent, with 12 Wallabies selected. Alongside Suaalii, new recruits Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, and Darby Lancaster will all make their Super Rugby Pacific debut for NSW. Tupou, Leota, and Lancaster join the Waratahs from the Melbourne Rebels, Amone arrives from the Western Force, Grant from the Hurricanes, and Adamson from the Shute Shield’s Eastern Suburbs.
The team boasts 11 Wallabies in the starting XV, including Suaalii, Tupou, Leota, and Lancaster, along with prop Angus Bell, hooker David Porecki, No. 8 Langi Gleeson, scrumhalf and captain Jake Gordon, flyhalf Tane Edmed, outside centre Lalakai Foketi, and wingers Max Jorgensen and Andrew Kellaway. Lancaster will also feature on the bench as back-three cover.
The Waratahs are entering the new season with high expectations after a disappointing wooden spoon finish last year. With an impressive roster, the team is eager to mount a serious challenge for the finals.
Head coach Dan McKellar expressed excitement about the fresh start, acknowledging the challenges in selecting a competitive squad. “I spoke to the players about the fact we’ve got seven debutants in the side, a head coach on debut, as well as a number of new assistant coaches and staff,” McKellar said. “It’s an exciting time for the NSW Waratahs as we embark on a new journey.”
McKellar noted that the selection process was highly competitive, with most players available for selection after rigorous training and conditioning. “It was probably the hardest one I had to pick,” McKellar explained. “A number of players have been with us the whole time, and we’re confident we’ve picked a team that’s ready to perform well on Friday.”
The Waratahs’ strategy for the opener against the Highlanders is a blend of focusing on the team’s strongest performers while building combinations for the season ahead. “We just keep the team we think are the players who have earned the opportunity, and then you look closely at, ‘does the makeup suit what’s required to beat a good Highlanders side?’” McKellar said.
The match will feature a familiar halves combination with captain Jake Gordon and flyhalf Tane Edmed, while the midfield duo of Joey Walton and Lalakai Foketi will look to control the flow of the game. The Waratahs’ all-Wallabies front row will be supported by a lock pairing of High Sinclair and Miles Amatosero, with an aggressive backrow primed to apply pressure on the Highlanders’ breakdown.
McKellar is hopeful for favorable conditions at Allianz Stadium and a strong fan turnout to support the Waratahs as they aim to put on a performance worthy of their supporters.
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