Les Kiss explains ‘fairly simple’ selection call for All Blacks Test

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has explained the decision to stick with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for the second match in a row, with Queensland Reds utility Isaac Henry earning a starting jersey ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series opener.

Suaalii had only started at outside centre for the Wallabies before shifting to the edge for the 42-38 win over the Springboks in Perth. The 23-year-old joined Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in the back three, and that combination will take the field against the All Blacks this weekend.

Hunter Paisami is unavailable due to suspension, which has seen Len Ikitau moves in one spot from outside centre after overcoming an injury. The 2025 John Eales Medal winner (Wallabies Player of the Year) joins a four-Test Wallaby in the midfield.

Whether or not Kiss would persist with Suaalii on the wing has been a talking point ahead of the first of two Bledisloe Cup matches this month, but the coach explained it was “a fairly simple decision” to reward Henry with a starting role.

“We know he can jump back into the midfield during the game, that’s the big thing,” Kiss told reporters in Auckland.

“It’s a shame to lose Hunter but we know [Henry has] really done well in the opportunities he’s had. He’s impressed in training, Isaac, so that’s a fairly simple decision in the end.

“We just want to persist with that continuity of that back three and see how that can go for another week. We know that aerial game is pretty important and both Max and Joseph did very well last week. I have no doubt it’s going to be important again so fingers crossed it works.”

Henry has been met with multiple injury setbacks over recent seasons, but continued to fight for a return to the field. The 27-year-old became Wallaby No. 999 after coming off the bench against Japan in Osaka, before starting a week later against the same opposition.

Kiss kept Henry in the starting side for the first match away to Los Pumas, before shifting the versatile back to the bench.  The Queenslander didn’t feature against the Springboks at Optus Stadium, but is now just days away from playing the All Blacks at the Garden.

“Selection is a tough thing,” Kiss said.

“You do disappoint a lot of people at times. However, there’s some good moments in it too and that’s a really good moment to earn that jersey against the All Blacks, and he has earned it.

“A quality person first and foremost. An exceptional teammate, he’s a team-first person. He works hard on his craft and he just happens to be bloody talented too. It’s a good combination.

“I’m really pleased for him and he’s ready.”