LONDON — Just weeks after making a transition between rugby codes, Joseph Sua’ali’i is set to debut for Australia as he has been selected to play in the test match against England at Twickenham this Saturday.

He will be positioned at outside center for this crucial opening match of the tour, facing an England team that is coming off a narrow 24-22 defeat to New Zealand last weekend.

At just 21 years old, Sua’ali’i has previous experience in the 15-man format, having played as a winger in 2019 for the Australian Schoolboys, when they triumphed over New Zealand. Since then, he has made a name for himself in rugby league, representing Samoa during their run to the World Cup final in 2022 and participating in the State of Origin matches.

Sua’ali’i has recently signed a significant three-year deal with Rugby Australia, valued at A$5.3 million (approximately $3.5 million), which will extend until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

His inclusion marks the only change from the last test when the team faced the All Blacks in Wellington during the Rugby Championship, which ended poorly for the Wallabies with five losses out of six matches, placing them at the bottom of the standings.

In this matchday 23 roster, fourteen players will be experiencing their first match at Twickenham.

The Australian lineup includes Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, and Angus Bell. The reserves are Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen.