Wallabies midfielder Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii has highlighted his personal growth since his switch from the NRL.
The union rookie switched professional codes last year and has now reflected on his 10-cap Test career following last Saturday’s remarkable comeback win by Australia.
Joe Schmidt’s side were 0-22 behind 18 minutes into their Rugby Championship round one encounter against the Springboks in Johannesburg. However, they dramatically hit back with a six-try flourish to secure an incredible 38-22 success.
The comeback drama has left Suaalii on a high and looking to repeat the victory when the sides clash again next Saturday in Cape Town. It was away to England last November when the 22-year-old, fresh from just a single Super Rugby campaign with the Waratahs, when he made his Test debut.
With South Africa now beaten in the most dramatic circumstances following on from Australia’s series-ending win over the British and Irish Lions on August 2, Suaalii has reflected on his progress in the sport since deciding to quit league with the NRL Roosters.
“That has been a big thing too…”
“Honestly, I’m just enjoying every single part of what rugby union brings,” Suaalii told reporters. “The biggest growth is the travel, travelling away from family, creating friendships with teammates. That has been a big thing too.
“I have been in league, you’re in a different environment. Coming across, I feel like you live with the boys here. They become your family away from your family. I’m really enjoying building different relationships, experiencing different things in different countries with your best mates.
“I’m really enjoying that aspect of my personal growth. I’m 22 years old now. I’m just enjoying what the game of rugby brings. Going to South Africa, playing against the Lions. Just travelling the world. I feel like that’s something that every young kid wants to do as a kid. Just enjoying the dream that’s been created.
“The game of rugby is not just me. There are 23 players; there are more. You have got the whole training week with the players that don’t get picked and then you have got coaches and everyone. So, it’s just not me. Obviously, there is talk around it. But at the end of the day it’s a team sport. I don’t really see it as pressure on me. It’s how can I be best for the team.”
Being at his best for the Wallabies included scoring his first Test try last weekend. No wonder he sounded enthusiastic reflecting on his team’s time so far in South Africa.
“It’s exciting for me,” he added. “You’re going against some of the best players in the world. We’re excited for us as a backline to test ourselves.
“It was a great battle last week, but this week will be very exciting too. I want to see them [young kids] enjoy coming over to South Africa for the first time, even just experiencing what the life is in South Africa, especially in Jo’burg, what it’s like around there. Going to a safari, that whole week, training that.
“A different altitude, a whole different experience. As a young kid growing up, that was something I really wanted to do: travel the world and play in different countries and go against the best. Playing at Ellis Park, my family in the crowd, my partner’s family in the crowd. Nothing beats it.
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“To get the win was a very special moment for this team, my family, and myself. I really enjoyed the whole week. I’m just enjoying Cape Town now. I’m enjoying it.”
Next Saturday won’t be a day for the faint-hearted. “They [South Africa] come out firing. We know that. After a loss, you tend to lick your wounds. They will be the same as they were in the first 18 minutes, but I reckon for the whole 80. We have got to be at our best.
“The first half (last Saturday) was quite frantic. The power shown (by the Springboks), the skill. I’m really proud of the way we handled that situation. Those first 18 minutes were a whirlwind, but after that, we stuck to what we could do, what we could focus on. Honestly, I was just real proud of the way we fought back into the game.”
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