He was one of Eddie Jones’ main pet projects in 2023, but Suliasi Vunivalu’s teething issues in rugby have continued with the Wallabies winger left out of the Reds’ starting side for Saturday night’s Australian Super Rugby derby against the Brumbies in Brisbane.
The Roar can reveal Vunivalu will be rotated out of the side, with off-contract outside back weapon Jordan Petaia to feature on the right wing and Jock Campbell to start at fullback.
Vunivalu might have shown some improvement over the past 12 months, but the 28-year-old’s understanding of the game continues to be one of his major weaknesses.
As well as being beaten on the outside in defence on a couple of occasions in recent weeks, the World Cup squad member has turned the ball over too much inside his half when trying to conjure something up from broken defence.
Even last week during the Reds’ 40-31 loss to the Force, Vunivalu had the ball ripped away after searching for space in the middle. It left Tate McDermott frustrated at the simple possession turned over.
The Reds will put his absence down in part to workload management, but the cold hard truth is Mac Grealy has continued to impress with his impressive work rate and desire to get stuck in and do the basics well.
Vunivalu was one of the surprise selections in last year’s World Cup, but he will have a harder time impressing Joe Schmidt because the new Wallabies coach is all about work rate, doing the basics well and decision-making.
Suliasi Vunivalu has been left out of the Reds’ side to take on the Brumbies in Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The match is a big one for Wallabies outside backs Petaia and Campbell, with both players off contract and assessing their next move.
Petaia, particularly, is considering leaving the Reds at season’s end and news of Max Jorgensen’s handsome offer by Rugby Australia will have raised his eyebrows about where the governing body values the two-time World Cup member, who extraordinarily just turned 24.
It’s believed Les Kiss will name Josh Flook at outside centre despite the midfielder being forced off with a head knock last week.
Otherwise the Reds’ backline is likely to be settled, with Tom Lynagh once again to wear the No.10 jersey.
Jordan Petaia’s future in Australia rugby beyond 2024 remains in doubt. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
There could be a change up front too, with Zane Nonggorr to come off the bench after a taxing five weeks where he’s started every match.
The young Wallaby might have tree trunk thighs, but at 22 he is still in his infancy as a professional front-rower.
Plus, with Jeffery Toomaga-Allen making his way back via the bench in recent weeks, Kiss has an experienced international to be able to call on as the Reds pack down against James Slipper’s Brumbies.
After last week’s shock loss, the Reds will take on the Brumbies who rediscovered their mojo against Moana Pasifika by putting 60 points on their opponents.
Brumbies back-rower Luke Reimer told The Roar Rugby podcast he thought the side rediscovered some confidence after a clunky start to the year.
“It definitely felt like we clicked on the weekend and our combinations really went well,” he said.
“I thought we were on the same page whereas a few games previous we were a bit individual.”
The Reds will name their team at 2pm AEDT.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Reckon they may want it badly this week
Wig1
Roar Rookie
But it's both Aussie sides how can that be tough in cheek hehe. Rebels by a penalty missed or gained by the way.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Or mummy
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Yea nah
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Got to ask Doc, who, other than JP thinks he’s a fullback? I think it speaks volumes for Jock in that when he counters, he’ll try to put JP into a hole if the opportunity arises. Don’t know that I’d be that generous, helping make the bloke who wants your job look good.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Thanks Doc. You know you’re not alone with that thought. :thumbup:
AppyShane
Roar Rookie
To be honest the Reds very poor against the Force. At least 5 names could be dropped after that run.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Attributes for a winger must include a comb, and a pocket to keep it in. What else? Biro for autographs. Spare strapping tape for ‘injuries’.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
An MD with a dual cab? Impressive. My MD only has a Merc two door and room in the boot only for a stethoscope.
TC
Roar Rookie
Doctordbx it's BOK this week..Want me to start now :silly:
W Evans
Roar Rookie
Vunivalu needed to be dropped - had a terrible few weeks. But Petaia is only marginally better. Not a fan of either for similar reasons.
Jazz
Roar Rookie
Yes I agree, he doesn't have a high work rate on the paddock. He's no Tele'a or Naholo if you want to do a comparison hey!
piru
Roar Rookie
That's the spirit
piru
Roar Rookie
Indeed
Jazz
Roar Rookie
NZ is not so forgiving with repeat offenders, they get dropped to either fix their game or pack-up
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Or a rugby player in any position
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
There will always be the referee to blame.
piru
Roar Rookie
Really not an attribute you want in a winger
piru
Roar Rookie
Don't worry we'll think of something
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I’ve worked with a few people who are good, honest hard workers when they clearly understand their role that turn into pet rocks at the slightest bit of uncertainty