For fans, experts, players and coaches alike there was plenty of intrigue during the build up to the Waratahs’ opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders.
Firstly, the new era under coach Dan McKellar created interest. Then there’s the host of signings from the now defunct Rebels which includes Andrew Kellaway and Taniela Tupou.
However, the biggest talking point was the $1.6 million man, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
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Suaalii put forward a 66-minute show for the home fans at Allianz Stadium, mixed with moments of brilliance and some scratchy errors.
Post-game, the marquee signing admitted the intensity was higher in Super Rugby compared to his amazing Wallabies debut in London.
Former Wallaby Matt Burke believes there was plenty to like from the ex-Roosters back’s performance.
“He did well for the expectation of him going into the game, having played that game in Wallabies colours for the first one in England, he did so well and he offloaded so well and (at) 15, it was about finding some time with the ball,” he said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
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“The kicking option to start with, his aerial skills were just outstanding. Moving down the track, you could just change him up, put him at 13, put him at wing and hit those cross field kicks and making sure they’re proactive kicking.
“When we saw him get the ball, there was some good feet, he carried well … I like what he did, he got involved as much as he could from that 15 role.”
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While Suaalii was the showpiece, it was his teammate Siosifa Amone stealing the limelight with his two late tries.
Morgan Turinui believes the presence of Suaalii will open up the opportunities for more of his teammates to shine.
“The more and more you see him, the more the Tahs are going to be able to manipulate what defences do by what they do with him,” he said.
“He’s going to be a great decoy to go out the back of guys like (Max) Jorgensen and Kellaway. If you put him in on the right wing then you’re going to have to mark that up for a cross kick, and it’s going to create space everywhere.
“He’s going to have huge influence on the game, yes on the ball but just by the way they can use him around the park.”