Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to make a shock recovery and take the field in the Wallabies’ final Test of the year against Ireland, while Tane Edmed is expected to become the 19th – and last – debutant in Joe Schmidt’s first season in charge.

There were genuine fears that Suaalii – the Wallabies’ new poster boy after switching from the Roosters on a $1.5 million deal in October – had broken his wrist after being forced off after 30 minutes during their first loss on tour against Scotland in Murrayfield last weekend.

Suaalii initially cut a forlorn figure as he sat on the field with his wrist pointing at a right angle as former Rebels centre turned Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu sprayed the high-profile recruit for staying on the ground.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii failed to make it to halftime against Scotland during the Wallabies’ loss at Murrayfield on November 24, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

With him off the field, Scotland ran in three second-half tries as the Wallabies were cut to shreds on the edge.

But the pictures of Suaalii following the Test told a different story, and the Waratahs recruit is expected to be named by Schmidt in the midfield alongside Len Ikitau.

Schmidt is expected to make minor changes to his side for Sunday’s (2:10am AEDT) final Test of the year against his former side.

With Will Skelton unavailable for the Test because it falls outside the international window, Jeremy Williams is expected to return to the second-row.

Fraser McReight, who was surprisingly given a spell against Scotland, is also set to return to replace Carlo Tizzano.

Taniela Tupou is a strong chance to return after missing the past two Tests with a knee issue, with the Wallabies sensing an opportunity to attack the Irish scrum in the absence of Tadhg Furlong.

Elsewhere Noah Lolesio is expected to finish the year where he started by wearing the No.10 jersey, while Max Jorgensen is expected to return on the wing.

But it’s the selection of Edmed on the bench ahead of Ben Donaldson that will catch the eyes of many, including Irish coach Andy Farrell.

Tane Edmed is poised to become the Wallabies’ 19th debutant in 2024. (Photo by Getty Images)

While only an injury or massive form dive will see someone other than Lolesio wear the No.10 jersey against the Lions next July, Edmed has the tools to boss a side at fly-half should anything occur to the Brumbies playmaker. It’s something his rivals can’t necessarily say.

And with several starting Wallabies in the Waratahs’ backline next season, Edmed, who burst back onto the national radar after a standout season for North Harbour in the NPC, will have the chance to build combinations across the park with those Schmidt will likely call upon next winter.

It’s why Farrell, who served as Schmidt’s assistant for four years and will next year oversee the Lions after previously being Warran Gatland’s right-hand man, will be interested in Edmed for more reasons than one should he get on the field to earn his first Test cap.

Although the Wallabies can’t win the Grand Slam after last week’s 14-point loss to Scotland, Schmidt’s men recognise the importance of finishing the campaign well and leaving a lasting impression ahead of selection for next year’s Lions series.

“This is a great opportunity this weekend against a really strong Irish team to play some really good rugby,” halfback Jake Gordon said.

“And we’re excited for the occasion, 150 years of Ireland rugby. So we know it’s going to be a massive spectacle and event there and we can’t wait for the atmosphere.

Joe Schmidt (2nd left) will go head-to-head with his former assistant Andy Farrell (R) this weekend. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Asked where Ireland posed the biggest threat, Gordon highlighted the entire backline but centered in on Ireland’s “power through the centres” where Bundee Aki is expected to wear the No.12 jersey.

The Wallabies know Aki’s threat all-too-well, having seen the powerful centre cross in the second half to help lead Ireland to a narrow 13-10 win two years ago.

“We probably can’t focus on one individual,” Gordon said. “We’ve got to focus on the whole team.

“We know that they’re very good when they get quick balls, probably limiting the amount of opportunity they get through that and then probably being a little bit more accurate when we get our chances as well.”

Although Ireland isn’t expected to make the breakdown such a mess as it was last weekend, the lethal world No.2 side relies on quick pace at the ruck and have one of the best halfbacks in the world in Jamison Gibson-Park running the show.