Stirling Mortlock believes Joseph Suaalii should play on the wing for a “battle-hardened” Wallabies team against the Springboks this month.
Australia begin their Rugby Championship campaign with two Tests in South Africa – at Ellis Park on 16 August and Cape Town Stadium a week later.
Suaalii has started at outside centre for the Wallabies since crossing codes from rugby league, including in the recent British & Irish Lions series, but Mortlock says a move to the wing could fast-track the 22-year-old’s development as a world-class No 13.
“He’s not going to like this, but when I first came through I had two full seasons on the wing and I hated it. But it gave me a great opportunity to understand what wingers need from a 13,” the Wallabies great told AAP.
“You don’t lose much if you put him on the wing, and you get his aerial skills. He’s unbelievable with the high ball and cross-kicks. Long term, he’s got all the attributes to be an amazing 13.”
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The 80-Test veteran also urged coach Joe Schmidt to end the Wallabies’ constant chopping and changing, saying combinations take “five to 10 Tests together, minimum” to gel.
“Nothing beats time in the saddle. Playing together, going through hard times together, and learning as a group builds the trust you need at the DNA of a world-class team,” Mortlock said.
“I’d always take a battle-hardened team that’s a little bruised over a fresh team with less combinations.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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