Kieran Read on whether Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii would make the All Blacks

Kieran Read doesn’t believe Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii would definitely be selected for the All Blacks if eligible, despite the two-time Rugby World Cup winner acknowledging the Wallaby is unlike anyone in the current New Zealand squad.

Suaalii has now made 23 appearances in Wallaby gold since making the switch across codes from the NRL in October 2024. The 23-year-old has come off the bench twice, including a 15-minute cameo in a 27-21 win over Argentina last weekend.

‘Su’ was named the Rookie of the Year at Rugby Australia’s annual awards last October and remains a key member of the Wallabies squad, who continue to build towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 on home soil.

But one of rugby union’s all-time greats doesn’t believe Suaalii would in theory be guaranteed a place in the All Blacks side, if the Wallabies star was somehow eligible to suit up against the Springboks in Johannesburg this weekend.

“No, not right now. Right now in the Springboks [series], this Test, no, I wouldn’t put him in there. I don’t think he’s earned that right,” Read said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Australia & New Zealand.

“Yes, one of the best at high balls… I haven’t seen it enough from him to oust Will Jordan or Leroy Carter, [Josh] Moorby, no.

“Someone with his skill set, we probably don’t have in our squad.”

Suaalii missed the second Flight Centre Series match against Japan last month, with the Aussies claiming a commanding 56-17 win in Townsville. Isaac Henry started a Test for the first time, and was among the clear standouts that afternoon.

Henry was retained at outside centre for the team’s next match away to Argentina, linking up with Queensland Reds teammate Hunter Paisami in the midfield. Paisami has strung a series of starts together, with Len Ikitau missing a couple of Tests due to injury.

The Wallabies took a six-point lead with about 25 minutes left against Los Pumas, and Suaalii helped the visitors hold on for the win. Suaalii had the second-most running metres out of any Wallaby, despite playing just 15 minutes off the pine.

“Les, I’m not sure what he’s going for there because Suaalii played so well in the Nations Championship; his work rate is outstanding,” Read explained.

“Still finding his feet at Test level in rugby union especially, just around how he can influence the best he can.

“The bloke who’s starting, [Isaac] Henry, I’ve been really impressed. He’s been outstanding. Good, hard runner; able to shift at the line, defends really. They’ve got great options.

“Suaalii will find his feet in this new way the Aussies are probably trying to attack and I think he’s an outstanding player to have in your team, in your 23. How they use him, I’m not sure…. You could put him anywhere. He’s that type of athlete.”