Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set to return for Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific

New South Wales Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has indicated that positioning the returning Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre will be the optimal choice. The cross-code player, only 21 years old, is set to rejoin the Waratahs after a five-week absence due to a foot injury. This strategic move aims to maximize his impact upon his return.

Suaalii initially played as a fullback at the start of the season, but Coleman has announced that this star recruit of the season will be playing centre in Friday night's game against the Wellington Hurricanes. The New South Wales coach stated that this decision was made to ensure Suaalii gets touches without the high running demands of the fullback position. This adjustment is designed to better leverage his strengths.

“We want to keep Joseph ticking along… but with only two weeks of full training under his belt, we think getting him in that front line position will lessen his overall running load, but still allow him to get his hands on the ball and influence the game,” Coleman said on Thursday. This approach aims to ease him back into the game while maintaining his impact.

With only six days to recover following the Waratahs' victory over the Brumbies last weekend, Coleman has decided to rest several players, including captain Hugh Sinclair and Wallaby Andrew Kellaway. An injury to outside back Triston Reilly has paved the way for 21-year-old Archie Saunders to make his debut. This reshuffling provides opportunities for emerging talents.

Saunders, who excelled at the World Championships last year as part of the Australia under-20s team and successfully broke into the Warringah first-grade team, has impressed. Coleman expressed confidence in the young winger ahead of his first Super Rugby match. “Archie is a really coachable kid. He chases kicks hard, he’s fast, he’s strong and he likes to compete. He’s been strong at training, and I’m proud of him and his family,” Coleman said. “When you blood young players, they need to be ready, and Archie’s got good players around him to support his debut.”