Ollie Lawrence admits he is stepping into the unknown when he takes on Australian rugby league superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
England center Lawrence lines up opposite Suaalii after the 21-year-old made his Test debut less than a month after moving to union side NRL side Sydney Roosters for £2.7 million.
It is hoped Suaalii will help pull the Wallabies out of the doldrums in time for next year’s British and Irish Lions tour, amid predictions from Down Under that he will become their most successful cross-code conversion yet.
Lawrence insists preparing to face a player with no union experience since representing the Australia Under-18s presents a challenge.
“It’s obviously difficult because he’s just changed codes and so we’ve looked at things from the league side,” the Bath center said.
“I’ve seen a lot of his football over the years and he’s been an incredible player in the league.
“If you just look at his stature, he’s a big kid at 6-foot-5 and he’s fast, so you know you have to take time and space from him as quickly as possible.
“There’s definitely a bit of unknown about him and we don’t know how he’s going to progress, but I’m excited to play against world-class players.
“As we do with every opposition, we look at their strengths and weaknesses and look at where we can pursue them.”
Aside from the task of containing Suaalii, Lawrence must also show his best in attack after being deprived of the ball in the 24-22 loss to New Zealand that opened the Autumn Nations Series.
The 25-year-old is a devastating runner for Bath, but he was only carried twice against the All Blacks and not once after the 11th minute.
England have made increasing their involvement with the ball in hand a matter of urgency and have changed their central position with Henry Slade to give him more room to threaten in the outside channels.
“It’s a tactical decision and we (Lawrence and Slade) spoke to the coaches about it this week. Hopefully this will bring the best out of both of us,” Lawrence said.
“It was frustrating not to get a hold of the ball against New Zealand. Personally, I look forward to helping the team move forward with the ball.
“The more I can get my hands on the ball and move the team and give us some momentum, hopefully that will help us play as an offensive unit.”
“I’m definitely striving to get more touches on the ball by putting myself in the right position and offering myself up.”
England are reeling from three successive defeats to New Zealand in which they lost their leading position before the final quarter.
It’s a theme from their recent performance against top four opponents that they’re looking to tackle.
“We should have seen the New Zealand game, so there is an element of disappointment,” Lawrence said.
“We are growing and want to be part of these championship teams. Championship teams finish games, it’s pretty simple actually.
“We have some really talented players. This has been shown in the Premiership and now we need to show it on the international stage.