VIDEO: Sua'ali'i living the Wallaby dream
WATCH as Rugby League convert Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i speaks about his experience with the Wallabies since converting to Rugby Union.
Sua’ali’i’s path to Test rugby has been unique and unconventional.
He made his Test debut for the Wallabies against England at Twickenham in 2024 and delivered a player-of-the-match performance in that clash.
What makes it even more impressive is that it was his first match in XVs since converting from Rugby League, proving that Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt’s gamble paid off.
This past weekend, the utility back’s intercept try swung the momentum in the Wallabies’ favour in their history-making 38-22 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, claiming their first win at the iconic stadium in 62 years.
Schmidt stated that the turning point was Joseph Suaalii’s intercept try to bring them back to within three points, and Tom Wright’s match-sealing effort.
“That game was probably closer than the score dictates. We scored a couple of tries when they looked very dangerous and we got them on the break,” Schmidt said.
He added: “Joseph Suaalii is a good example. They had numbers on the edge, and he intercepted and got away.
“There was Andre [Esterhuizen] up the left-hand touchline, and then Tom Wright grabs it and ends up running 70 metres.”
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Sua’ali’i spoke about his experience thus far in South Africa and what the Ellis Park victory personally meant to him.
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“I’m enjoying coming to South Africa for the first time and experiencing what life is all about in this part of the world.
“It’s a whole different experience. As a young boy growing up, it’s always been a dream to travel the world, playing against different countries and going up against the best in the game.
“At Ellis Park, I had my family and my partner’s family in the crowd. Nothing beats that, especially getting the win.
“It was a special moment for this team, my family and myself. I enjoyed the whole week [in Johannesburg] and now I’m enjoying Cape Town.”
Sua’ali’i added that, being just 22 years old, he is growing and adapting to life on the road more often and being away from his family.
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“The biggest growth for me is travelling and being away from [my] family, but also creating friendships with teammates. That’s been a big thing too.
“Crossing over from Rugby League to Union is a different environment. You live with the boys here, so they become your family away from your family.
“I’ve enjoyed building different relationships and experiencing different things and different countries with your best mates.
“I’m enjoying that aspect of my personal growth, and I’m 22 years old now, so I’m enjoying what the game of rugby brings.”
By: Angus Opperman & Annemie Bester
