The Wallabies’ retention of Joseph Suaalii on the wing has been touted as a “big body” reason why Les Kiss’ side could at last get a triumph in the “Bermuda Triangle” for Australian rugby results.
You have to go back to 1986 to find the last time the Wallabies defeated the All Blacks at Eden Park, the Auckland stadium where they are undefeated in 53 matches against opposition from around the world since 1994.
Australia’s record versus the All Blacks at Eden Park since Alan Jones’ side won 22-9 40 years ago is: Played 24, Lost 24. 21 of those losses are part of the hosts’ current unbeaten run since 1994, with three other defeats preceding it.
This lopsided history has very much left the All Blacks touted as clear favourites for Saturday’s latest Bledisloe Cup encounter in Auckland, but there is optimism that the decision by head coach Kiss to keep Suaalii stationed on the wing and not restore him to the midfield can cause trouble.
“Extra step in your pace…”
It was against the Springboks on September 27 when the Wallabies abandoned their persistence in selecting Suaalii as a midfielder. Instead, they started him on the wing for the first time, and the outcome was an influential role in the team’s 42-38 win over the world champions in Perth.
Previewing the opening match in the two-game Bledisloe series, ex-Wallaby Justin Harrison provided a colourful description on Rugby Heaven of the challenge awaiting Australia at Eden Park. “It’s the Bermuda triangle of results for the Wallabies,” he said.
“Well, for everyone, but I don’t really care about anyone else. It is the (All Blacks’) spiritual home. It’s worth points sometimes. You take the field, you inherit a bit of an extra step in your pace, and you start to realise that you don’t want to be the person to give up that history, but you also want to be the one to create it for the Wallabies.”
Cam Shepherd, another former Australian international, suggested that the build-up analysis could be important. “I would love to see the Wallabies just sit down and maybe watch the last five Tests we played there (at Eden Park).
“Just watch the first 10, 15 minutes and just get your head in that space of what are we going to approach? What is it going to feel like? Live that moment a few times before they run out.
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“A lot of guys are playing their first Test against the ABs at Eden Park. Let them live that experience a little bit so when they get there, it feels familiar and make sure that we’re the dominant team in the first 15 minutes.
“It’s a cliché that’s used all the time. If the Wallabies can be the dominant team in that opening 15 minutes, it sets the standard. But if we’re poor, it’s a long night at the office.”
Harrison added: “This is what happens with cohesion and consistency and players sticking around to play domestic Super comp. A lot of the players taking the field with the Wallaby jersey on their back have beaten New Zealand sides in New Zealand.
“Not the Blacks, I get it, but Super, so they’re looking down the barrel. Sure, different jersey playing the national anthem, but they’ve beaten some of these blokes. That helps when you take the field in New Zealand.”
Talking of help, Matt Burke, another retired Wallaby, talked up the significance of Suaalii wearing the No.11 shirt for the second Test in a row in his 26th appearance. “Joey on the wing, absolutely.
“What we have seen from that first game he played against England thereabouts of two years ago was that he underplayed his role, but he had a big hand in getting some small movements across the park when he was jumping high, passing early, passing late, making tackles.
“And what we can see at the moment, there was a little bit of freedom two weeks ago against South Africa when he was on the wing there. So, look to them to maybe try and exploit some aerial battles on the weekend knowing that their back line, the All Blacks‘ back line, will be obviously looking forward and looking and getting ready for him to come down their channel.
“But as much as you can, get him involved in the game. That kick-off last game against South Africa, the first one of the day when he got up high and stole that reception, they lost the ball straight away, but they need to be ready for that kind of stuff because Len Ikitau got some payout of Joey going up for the ball.
“They’ll be using him in that way. Bring him in close as well. Get him off number 10. Get him off number nine. He’s a big body, and that’s what they’re going to need on the weekend to be able to get over that advantage line.
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“Defence is so strong these days and he’s certainly that one of those guys who could really make some inroads and have a real impact here at Eden Park.”
There was a temptation for the Wallabies to restore Suaalii to the midfield as Hunter Paisami was suspended following the win over the Springboks. However, it was instead decided to pair Ikitau with Isaac Henry.
It is only Henry’s fifth appearance, but Ikitau had every confidence the combination can gel. “I’ve played a couple of times with Isaac in school.
“So for us being in the centres, we need to be direct against the All Blacks and make sure that we’re making the most of our opportunities there. And then just making sure that we were able to get the ball out to Joe and Max Jorgensen and watch them do the things.”
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