Wallabies' simple plan to get Suaalii firing against Fiji and Lions
'He's a natural footballer,' Ikitau said. 'He knows how to play whatever position he gets put in. But for us, it's just trying to get combinations in our training and trying to defend together, attack together … we saw on the spring tour there just the kind of plays that he comes up with.'
As well as his athletic ability, Ikitau said Suaalii had shown in his four Test appearances that he was 'smart in defence and attack' and was his own harshest critic.
Ikitau believes the Fijians' unpredictable, flamboyant brand of football – best illustrated by their boilover 22-15 win against Australia at the last World Cup – would be the ideal preparation for the blockbuster campaign against the Lions.
'You don't know what to expect from Fiji when you play them,' he said. 'Anything can happen. And I think with the Lions, they've got four different countries coming together and playing for the one team.
'So it's just making sure that you're ready for whatever. And it's no different with the Fiji team this week. So just preparing for whatever and just making sure that we're on our game.'
Recalled lock Darcy Swain had a chance to run his eye over the Lions last weekend when he played in a Western Force side outgunned 54-7 by the tourists.
Swain, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2021 and has appeared in 17 Tests, said the Lions were a level above most international teams.
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'It was pretty tough,' he said. 'They're a very skilful side and they're big, they're physical. They're just a really good side.
'Just think of any sort of northern hemisphere side, they're just a little bit better, obviously, because they're a combination of all four nations. They're obviously a lot better and they dusted us up.'
Meanwhile, Wallabies forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are reported to be in doubt for the clash with Fiji after suffering calf strains. The first Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane.
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