skysport.ch
Sky Sport

Watch live sport on

Sky Sport
News Rugby

Lawrence wary of league convert Sua'ali'i as England prepare for Wallabies

skysports

Ollie Lawrence admits he is stepping into the unknown when he takes on Australia's rugby league superstar Joseph Sua'ali'i at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

media_api_sky_en_6743034672f563fd573f
Joseph Sua'ali'i © PA

Ollie Lawrence admits he is stepping into the unknown when he takes on Australia's rugby league superstar Joseph Sua'ali'i at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

England centre Lawrence lines up opposite Sua'ali'i after the 21-year-old was given his Test debut less than a month after switching to union from NRL side Sydney Roosters for £2.7m.

It is hoped Sua'ali'i will help lift the Wallabies out of the doldrums in time for next year's British and Irish Lions tour amid predictions down under that he will become their most successful cross-code convert yet.

Lawrence said preparing to face a player with no union experience since representing Australia U18s presents a challenge.

  • George defends Jones' record after Care criticism
  • Autumn Internationals: Full schedule and key fixtures
  • Get Sky Sports | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp

"It's obviously difficult because he's just switched codes and so we've been looking at the league side of things," the Bath centre said.

"I've seen a lot of his footy over the years and he's been an incredible player in league.

"If you just look at his stature, he's a big lad at 6ft 5in and he's quick, so you know you have to take time and space away from him as quickly as possible.

"There's definitely a bit of unknown about him and we don't know how he will step up, but I'm excited to go up against world-class players.

"Like we do for every opposition, we look at their strengths and weakness and look where we can go after them."

Joseph Sua'ali'i
Image: Sua'ali'i starts at outside centre on his Wallabies debut

Apart from the task of containing Sua'ali'i, Lawrence must also show the best of himself in attack after he was starved of the ball in the 24-22 defeat by New Zealand that opened the Autumn Nations Series.

The 25-year-old is a devastating runner for Bath yet carried just twice against the All Blacks and not once after the 11th minute.

England have made increasing his involvements with the ball in hand a matter of urgency and have switched his centre position with Henry Slade to offer him more scope to threaten in the outside channels.

England centre Ollie Lawrence
Image: Ollie Lawrence switches to outside centre for Saturday's game with Australia

"It's a tactical move and we [Lawrence and Slade] spoke about it to the coaches this week. Hopefully it will get the best out of both of us," Lawrence said.

"It was frustrating not getting my hands on the ball against New Zealand. From me personally, there is an expectation to help the team go forward with the ball.

"The more I can get my hands on the ball, get the team moving and get us momentum, hopefully that will help us play as an attacking unit.

"I'm definitely working on getting more touches on the ball by getting into the right position and offering myself up."

England are reeling from three successive defeats to New Zealand in which they have thrown away commanding positions heading into the final quarter.

It is a theme of their recent performance against top-four opposition that they are looking to address.

"We should have seen the game out against New Zealand, so there's an element of disappointment," Lawrence said.

"We're growing and want to be one of those championship teams. Championship teams finish off games, it's quite simple really.

"We've got some really talented players. That's been shown in the Premiership and now we have to show it on the international stage."

George: Jones did brilliant things but England environment more inclusive now

London , United Kingdom - 23 February 2020; England head coach Eddie Jones and Jamie George of England ahead of the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Image: Jamie George and former England head coach Eddie Jones

Jamie George recognises Danny Care's damning assessment of Eddie Jones' England regime but insists the Australian's contribution is reflected in his success.

Care, who won 101 caps until his international retirement earlier this year, is highly critical of Jones in his autobiography 'Everything Happens for a Reason', claiming that "everyone was bloody terrified of him".

The Harlequins scrum-half added that Jones' England environment was "like living in a dictatorship, under a despot who disappeared people".

"Everyone has their own experiences. I lived it with Danny at the time, I knew how he felt about it," the England captain said.

"Eddie was someone who never wanted to sit still, always wanted to get better and pushed people. It was challenging at times, of course it was, and I understand what Danny is saying."

Rate the article
0 Ratings
Your vote is counted.

Newsfeed

Read also

View More

Watch live sport on

Sky Sport
Copyright Sky Switzerland SA © 2001-2024. Created by EWM.swiss