โHe had 10 touches against the Reds and less against Fiji. We had some opportunities to play against Fiji and we didnโt take them. So itโs not just on Joseph, itโs around others around him as well. We understand we have an attacking threat there that we want to use.
โBecause of who he is, everyone expects him to make half a dozen line breaks and score three or four tries. Thatโs probably not going to happen. But the core foundation of his game is in really good shape now. Heโs not the only back to have been a little bit short on possession in one game. Thatโs the challenge moving forward.โ
Asked if Suaalii playing No.13 at the Wallabies was a factor in keeping him there, McKellar said he was in constant dialogue with national coach Joe Schmidt and was prepared to do what was best for the Wallabies.
โIโm not going to be pig-headed about that, but there hasnโt been that conversation,โ he said. โItโs around whatโs best for the individual. At the moment, heโs playing 13 and weโve got to coach him hard. Heโs been in the game 12 months.โ
In other changes, Folau Faingaa has returned from a concussion and will start at hooker, with Ethan Dobbins rotated out. Leafi Talataina has also been named to start at No.6, with Clem Halaholo back on the bench. Sid Harvey could make a Super Rugby debut from the bench.
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The Waratahs havenโt beaten the Hurricanes since 2015, losing eight straight games against the Kiwis. Last year McKellarโs Tahs were flying at 4-1 and had just beaten the Brumbies when they were thumped 57-12 in Wellington.
โTheyโre a good side, thereโs no denying that,โ McKellar said. โAnd like any good team, youโve got to perform well and front up physically.
โAnd thatโs a challenge that I think weโre ready for. The reality is theyโre dangerous off turnover ball and counter-attack. So you need to kick well and you need to make sure that you reduce their opportunity from turnover.โ
