All Black Richie Mo’unga’s verdict on Wallabies star recruit Joseph Sua’ali’i

After spending time in training camp with the New South Wales Blues this week in preparation for the deciding Origin match at Suncorp, Richie Mo’unga was able to get up close and personal with the Wallabies’ newest signing Joseph Sua’ali’i.

The Waratahs-bound star was still able to make the All Blacks’ starting five despite being sidelined after being suspended for a high hit on Reece Walsh in Origin I.

Sua’ali’i remained with the Blues Origin team for his final season in rugby league, until his long-awaited post-season move to the Roosters.

The rugby world will get their first taste of the Roosters this year during their end-of-year tour with the Wallabies, while the British & Irish Lions will be sure to spot the towering 1.96m winger when they tour in 12 months’ time.

Mo’unga has given his verdict on what to expect from the special athlete, claiming he will “beat any defender one-on-one” in the 15-man code.

“There is no doubt that he is an exceptionally talented player,” Mo’unga told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’ll beat any defender if it’s one-on-one. He’s got that powerful running game, but also a deft touch in terms of his skillset and vision. I’m looking forward to seeing that put to use.

“There will be other parts of the game that he needs to work on. He wouldn’t have rucked in years, or kicked the ball as much, which is what you need to do in that role as a centre and wing.

“But he’s young, he’s exciting, he’s hungry to learn – he’s a real athlete.

“For him, the sky is the limit when it comes to unity.”

That’s what Rugby Australia wants to hear after signing a three-year, $5 million contract with the former Schoolboys’ Union star.

The two could meet again in a Bledisloe series, with Mo’unga expressing his desire to return to the All Blacks once his contract with Toshiba expires.

Mo’unga would not be able to play in New Zealand again until 2027 at the earliest, the final year of Sua’ali’i’s contract and the year of the Rugby World Cup.

Sua’ali’i will undoubtedly be a different player by the time he enters his third year as a professional footballer.