Ikitau Wants to Involve Suaalii More in Second Test Against Lions

In the lead-up to the second test against the British & Irish Lions, Len Ikitau is determined to include his centre partner Joseph Suaalii more effectively in the game. After Suaalii's impressive debut in test rugby against England last November, he found himself underutilized in their recent match against the Lions, where the Wallabies faced significant challenges in the first half resulting in a 27-19 defeat.

Ikitau expressed the need for better synergy between the two players, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to provide Suaalii with the ball in advantageous positions. He reflected on the previous match, noting that he hadn’t facilitated Suaalii's involvement as much as he hoped, but sees this as a valuable learning experience for future matches.

The struggle was not unique to Suaalii; other Australian backs, such as talented winger Max Jorgensen, also found it difficult to engage in the game, often having limited touches until Jorgensen managed to score a try from a box kick. Ikitau recognized that they had opportunities to exploit the Lions’ defensive strategies, but at times chose to play conservatively instead of taking risks when the chances arose.

Amid growing calls for coach Joe Schmidt to make adjustments to the backline, many believe that Suaalii should be utilized in various positions to maximize his impact. Ikitau shared his confidence in Suaalii’s athletic abilities, suggesting that regardless of where he plays—whether at centre, wing or fullback—his presence on the field would be beneficial for the team's performance. According to Ikitau, Suaalii's approach to the game reflects a deep understanding and readiness to seize the moment, which bodes well for his role in the upcoming match.