The Australian Wallabies are set for a thrilling finale to their autumn internationals campaign as they prepare to face off against world No.2 Ireland in Dublin this Saturday. With rising stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Tane Edmed poised to make an impact, coach Joe Schmidt is determined to end the tour on a high note against his former team.
Suaalii, the dynamic outside centre, has overcome a scare from last week’s match against Scotland to be declared fit for the Ireland clash. The powerhouse runner’s thunderous hit on Sione Tuipulotu had initially raised concerns about a potential arm fracture, but Schmidt confirmed that the 19-year-old sensation is “fully fit and fully able” to take on the Irish.
Edmed Set for Wallabies Debut
In a bold move, Schmidt has also handed a debut to promising flyhalf Tane Edmed, who will become Wallaby No.990 when he takes the field at Aviva Stadium. The 24-year-old Waratahs playmaker has impressed with his composed performances in Super Rugby and will provide cover for Noah Lolesio in the No.10 jersey.
Schmidt emphasized that the selection of Edmed, along with the other changes to the starting lineup, is part of a long-term strategy to develop depth and galvanize the squad ahead of next year’s highly anticipated Lions tour to Australia.
“We were pretty committed to make sure everyone originally selected in the tour squad was going to take the field. Tane will be our 19th debutant for the season because we wanted to try to really grow the group this year, galvanise the group as well, so that we can be as competitive as we can next season.”
– Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Head Coach
Tupou Returns to Bolster Front Row
In a boost to the Wallabies’ scrum, powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou has overcome a frustrating calf injury to earn a starting spot alongside veteran James Slipper. The return of openside flanker Fraser McReight, who was sorely missed in the loss to Scotland, is another key inclusion as Australia looks to match Ireland’s intensity at the breakdown.
Schmidt Reflects on Wallabies Progress
As he prepares to face the team he once led to unprecedented success, Schmidt offered an honest assessment of the Wallabies’ progress under his tenure thus far.
“I feel like I’m paddling hard, but I’m not necessarily going forward – but I think we’re keeping our head above water. We’re trying to build to 80-minute performances and build depth so if we get a ripple like we did last week, we can still try to stay on top of the water.”
– Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Head Coach
The match holds special significance for Irish rugby, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the sport in the country. Both Schmidt and his Irish counterpart Andy Farrell have expressed their commitment to putting on a spectacle befitting the occasion, setting the stage for a memorable encounter between two proud rugby nations.
As the Wallabies prepare to face their sternest test of the tour, all eyes will be on the likes of Suaalii, Edmed, and the returning Tupou to provide the spark that ignites a famous victory on Irish soil. With the Lions series looming large on the horizon, a strong showing in Dublin could provide the perfect springboard for Australian rugby’s resurgence under Schmidt’s guidance.
