Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has rated Super Rugby Pacific even more intense than his Test baptism of fire as he reflects on his debut.
Suaalii started at fullback and lasted just over an hour before succumbing to cramp in the one-point victory.
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The 21-year-old was supported in the crowd by a large number of family and friends, including several former Sydney Roosters teammates and staff.
“I reckon the intensity was more here in Super Rugby (than Test Rugby) if I’m being quite honest,” Suaalii reflected.
“I was talking to (Waratahs captain) Jake Gordon about it; just the ball in-play, the contact and the Highlanders boys were ready to play today. I got hit a couple of times, but it was good.
"It’s a high level of footy we’re playing here, especially against those Kiwi boys...I’m just glad we got the win.”
Suaalii is still getting used to life at the fullback after a mixed performance that saw more positives than negatives.
He was critical of his aerial work, where he collected the first bomb perfectly, before his next effort spilled, and winger Caleb Tangitau raced away for the Highlanders’ opener.
“There were a couple of times when I was out of position, but other than that, I actually enjoyed being able to see the game at 15 (fullback), and just being able to scan and see from a different perspective from centre,” Suaalii said. “There are a lot of things to work on.
“…It’s more running compared to centre where you’re tackling a little bit more.
“It was a lot of high-speed running, so I still need to get the kilometres into my legs but I felt pretty good out there.”
Suaalii made Allianz Stadium home in the NRL and was excited to create further positive memories with the Waratahs with their first win on the board.
"It's good to be playing back at Allianz. I don't live too far away, so it's a place where I call home so it's good, great to be back playing here,” he said.
"Honestly, the reason I played the game is because I love the game, and I love that my whole family get to come to the game and friends and all that come together.”
Suaalii and the Waratahs will get the chance to refresh as they have the bye next week before home games against the Fijian Drua and Western Force.
