Joseph Suaalii says the Wallabies are carrying a “no fear” mindset into Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks in Cape Town, despite bracing for a fierce response from the wounded world champions.
ALSO: O’Connor hailed as ‘architect’ of Ellis Park win
The Wallabies stunned South Africa 38-22 at Ellis Park, overturning a 22-0 deficit for their first win in Johannesburg in 62 years. But Suaalii knows the Boks will be out to make amends at sea level.
“They’ll come out firing. We know that. After a loss, you tend to lick your wounds,” he said.
South Africa scored three tries in the opening 17 minutes in Joburg before Australia hit back through Suaalii, who bagged his first Test try in just his third international.
“The first (quarter) was quite frantic,” he reflected.
“The power shown, the skill … that first 18 minutes was a whirlwind. But after that we stuck to what we could focus on and I was really proud of the way we fought back into the game.”
Having already made headlines with a brilliant assist against the British & Irish Lions earlier this month, the 20-year-old said crossing the line at Ellis Park in front of family was a dream come true.
GAME ON!
Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i puts the Wallabies right back in the game
#TheRugbyChampionship #RSAvAUS pic.twitter.com/xGT36GrnAp
— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) August 16, 2025
“As a young kid growing up that was something I really wanted to do – travel the world, go against the best,” he said.
“To do it here, with my family and my partner’s family in the crowd, then to get the win … it was very special.”
Meanwhile, scrumhalf Tate McDermott warned that history will count for little if the Wallabies don’t back it up at the Cape Town Stadium.
“It had been 60-odd years since we’d got a result at Ellis Park, so it was a huge occasion,” McDermott said.
“But it doesn’t mean much if we don’t back it up this weekend. We’re on a journey. Respect is earned daily.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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