Deadly Winger Suaalii Named On Wing In Wallabies Team To Face Springboks
Twenty-three-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the Wallabies for the first time when they face South Africa at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday evening.
The versatile Suaalii will join a back three that sees Tom Wright continue at fullback and Max Jorgensen start on the right wing. Jorgensen made his Test debut against the Springboks at the same venue in 2024.
Suaalii’s move to the wing will see last year’s John Eales Medallist, Len Ikitau, shift one position wider to outside centre, with Queensland’s Hunter Paisami named at inside centre. Paisami and Ikitau will start together in the midfield for the 13th time in Wallabies gold.
Ryan Lonergan has been named in the No. 9 jersey, continuing his run of starting every Test so far in 2026. He will partner Perth-based Ben Donaldson in the halves for the second consecutive Test.
Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to the starting side, as does experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa, who will make his 94th appearance for his country. Angus Bell completes the starting front row.
Elsewhere, the forward pack remains unchanged from the team’s last outing, with Force captain Jeremy Williams and athletic lock Josh Canham starting in the second row.
Harry Wilson will again captain the side from the back of the scrum, with powerful Rob Valetini and dynamic Fraser McReight named as the starting flankers.
The coaches have opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou providing the front-row cover.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will bring his experience as the replacement lock, while Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano provide the remaining forward cover.
Livewire Tate McDermott and hard-working Harry Potter are the two backs named on the bench.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss said:
“We’ve had a solid preparation window here in Perth ahead of what’s going to be a massive Test against South Africa.
“Playing against the No. 1 team in the world focuses the mind, and we have worked hard on key areas to meet this challenge and continue to grow our game.”
