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Joe Schmidt explains reasoning behind dropping Joseph Suaalii

By PA
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt feels that Wales will be “incredibly hard to beat” in Sunday’s Autumn Nations Series encounter at the Principality Stadium.

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The odds favour a Wallabies win following their thrilling victory over England last time out, while Wales have lost a record-equalling 10 Tests in a row.

“Obviously, this time last year, Wales put 40 points on the Wallabies (in the World Cup),” Schmidt said.

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“They got very close to a number of teams in the Six Nations, losing by one score to England and Scotland, as well as Fiji last week.

“I am expecting them to be incredibly hard to beat. They are dogmatic with the way they go about their defensive work and are very hard to break down.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
2
Draws
0
Wins
3
Average Points scored
29
26
First try wins
60%
Home team wins
60%

Asked about Wales being under pressure, Schmidt added: “You live in this bubble, really. I am too busy worrying about our team.

“It’s funny, I feel under more pressure than I was last week.

“Last week, no one expected us to win. Suddenly, when expectations shift and you are up against a team that are on a losing run, you are expected to win.

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“But it doesn’t actually mean anything in terms of the players running out and getting the job done. I think everyone feels pressure.”

Schmidt has made six changes from the side that accounted for England, including exciting midfield prospect Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moving out of the starting XV and joining Schmidt’s replacements.

Samu Kerevi replaces Suaalii, while prop Allan Alaalatoa starts as captain with Harry Wilson being sidelined due to concussion.

Wilson’s absence from the back-row means a first Test start for flanker Seru Uru, with Rob Valetini moving across to number eight, while lock Will Skelton, scrum-half Nic White and wing Max Jorgensen also feature.

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On Suaalii, Schmidt added: “We have only got three midfielders with us, and it is about sharing the load between the three guys.

“It was a whirlwind for Joseph for the last two weeks, so for him just to be able to take a breath and watch a bit of the game before entering, it is a great opportunity for us to change it up if required.

“There was that temptation to keep him there to a degree.

“Anybody who plays four consecutive Tests against the ranked countries we are up against, that’s a big challenge for anybody, particularly playing the full 80 minutes.”

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C
CO 16 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.


This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.


A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.


Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.


When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.


Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.


The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.


I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.

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