Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set for new Wallabies position against Springboks

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii hasn’t started in any position other than outside centre or fullback since making the switch over from the NRL two years ago, but the 24-Test Wallaby will take on a new role this weekend against the Springboks.

Suaalii will start on the wing for the first time at either Test or Super Rugby Pacific level, with coach Les Kiss making the change before facing the two-time reigning Rugby World Cup winners, who are coming off a 3-1 series win against the All Blacks.

The 23-year-old joins Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in a new-look back three, while Queensland Reds inside centre Hunter Paisami comes into the run-on side at outside centre. 2025 John Eales Medal (Wallabies Player of the Year) winner Len Ikitau shifts out a spot to outside centre.

Ryan Lonergan continues to steer the ship as the team’s first-choice scrum-half, with the ACT Brumbies skipper joining Ben Donaldson in the halves. ‘Dono’ started at fly-half against Los Pumas in Mendoza and holds onto that role with Carter Gordon currently out injured.

Harry Wilson continues to captain the side from No. 8, joined in the loose forwards by blindside flanker Rob Valetini and in-form openside Fraser McReight. Tom Hooper provides cover off the bench, with the Wallabies now without Charlie Cale due to injury.

Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams will again combine in the second row, with assistant coach Tom Donnelly speaking earlier this week about how competition for players is getting the best out of the contingent of locks.

Angus Bell has been named at loosehead prop, packing down up front alongside hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa. Taniela Tupou and Billy Pollard are two of the six forwards providing cover off the bench.

“We’ve had a solid preparation window here in Perth ahead of what’s going to be a massive Test against South Africa,” coach Les Kiss said.

“Playing against the number one 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.”

Wallabies team to take on Springboks 

1. Angus Bell (57 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (30 Tests) – #918; Southern Districts
3. Allan Alaalatoa (93 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (8 Tests) – #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (32 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (68 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (46 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (42 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (12 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Ben Donaldson (25 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (24 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
12. Hunter Paisami (38 Tests) – #932; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (54 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Max Jorgensen (27 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (50 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (24 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Aidan Ross (6 Tests) – #994; Bond University
18. Taniela Tupou (73 Tests – #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (47 Tests) – #914; Randwick Rugby
20. Tom Hooper (24 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
21. Carlo Tizzano (16 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
22. Tate McDermott (56 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
23. Harry Potter (15 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams