Wallabies trust in their 50-cap duo Valetini and Kerevi
NEWS: After the delightful infusion of new talent provided by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, it’s the experience of some rugged old hands that the Wallabies will put their trust in against Wales as they welcome Rob Valetini and Samu Kerevi into Australia’s elite 50-cap club.
“Special blokes, those two,” declared captain Allan Alaalatoa on the eve of Sunday’s Test in Cardiff, as he reflected on a team that will feature five players who’ve reached the half-century landmark – including himself – in the 23.
And just as key to the Wallabies’ hopes of getting halfway to a ‘grand slam’ on their British Isles tour among a side beset by injuries is the recall of another 30-something, Will Skelton, who doubtless would have been in the half-a-century gang too if he hadn’t been ineligible for so long while playing in Europe.
“It’s very nice to have him at your back – he’s a big lad,” smiled 77-times capped prop Alaalatoa, as he pondered just how desperate giant 32-year-old La Rochelle lock Skelton was to get back in the side for the first time since leading the Wallabies during their ill-fated 2023 World Cup adventure.
“Listening to his conversations with (coach) Joe (Schmidt) and how keen Will’s been to join back up as soon as he could, it just shows how much the jersey means to him – and we’re going to see that,” predicted Alaalatoa.
“He always wears his heart on his sleeve, and he’s had a really good week. He was a bit down about not playing last week (when Jeremy Williams got the nod in the second row), so he’s going to give everything tomorrow.”
The rugby world is still swooning over cross-code superstar Suaalii’s man-of-the-match debut against England last week.
Yet Alaalatoa, standing in as captain in place of Harry Wilson, is quick to remind everyone of Kerevi’s quality too as he moves back into a midfield starting role at 12, leaving young ex-Rooster Suaalii to be a potentially potent weapon off the bench.
“Samu is a high-impact player, he’s a handful to defend, and defensively, he’s slotted in really well,” said Schmidt.
“We just want a really solid game from Samu and the ability to challenge the line really, and at the same time to be really accurate in what he does.
Alaalatoa expects Australia’s two latest 50-cappers – the outstanding Valetini has got there at 26 in just five years – to prove influential in the Principality Stadium cauldron, one of the skipper’s favourite venues.
“Both Rob and Samu are so good on the ball, both dynamic ball carriers and they give us that front-foot ball. Just their physical presence is immense for us as a team, and who they are as blokes off the field is also so good for our culture and for our group,” said Alaalatoa.
“The boys love having them back in the team, especially Samu, it’s awesome. The boys will be thinking of them when we run out tomorrow for their milestone game – they’ve given a lot to the jersey throughout the years.”
The 50-cap in action this weekend:
James Slipper – replacement prop – 142nd cap
Allan Alaalatoa – prop – 78th cap
Nic White – halfback – 71st cap
Rob Valetini – No.8 – 50th cap
Samu Kerevi – inside centre – 50th cap
