Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii named to make Waratahs return against Hurricanes

Fresh off a drought-breaking win over the Brumbies, the Waratahs are off to Wellington to play a Hurricanes team looking to find some form after a slow start to their 2025 campaign.

The Waratahs are looking to further separate themselves, and as one of four teams with just one loss so far in the competition, a win on Kiwi soil could do just that as the trans-Tasman contests start to heat up with teams in midseason form.

Helping them search for that win will be their marquee signing, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who will make his return from a toe injury that ruled him out of the past five rounds of action.

The Wallaby has played just one game so far in his rookie Super Rugby Pacific season, and will start at centre in the Kiwi capital.

He’s joined in the midfield by new captain Joey Walton and will be backed up by Lalakai Foketi, who also returns from injury for the contest.

“Joey has been a strong performer and a natural leader,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said of his captaincy call in the absence of High Sinclair, who has been rested.

“He leads through his actions and communicates well with the group. It’s a proud moment for him and his family.”

The midfield will play outside a halves partnership of Teddy Wilson and Lawson Creighton. Darby Lancaster and debutant Archie Saunders come in on the wings as Max Jorgensen shifts to fullback. Andrew Kellaway also earns a rest week.

In the forwards, the intimidating figure of Miles Amatosero is back on deck for the Sydneysiders, while Julian Heaven has been promoted to the starting unit, replacing Mahe Vailanu, who broke his arm in the round six win over the Brumbies.

“Against the Hurricanes, we anticipate a fast-paced and high-intensity contest,” McKellar said.

“That’s why we’ve gone with a 5-3 bench. Having Lalakai back fit and available gives us more options in the backline for the final stages of the game.”

Waratahs team to play the Hurricanes

1. Loosehead Prop                          Angus Bell (Sydney University)

2. Hooker                                         Julian Heaven (Eastern Suburbs)

3. Tighthead Prop                            Taniela Tupou (West Harbour)

4. Left Lock                                      Ben Grant (Sydney University)

5. Right Lock                                    Miles Amatosero (Eastern Suburbs)

6. Left Flanker                                  Rob Leota (Eastern Suburbs)

7. Right Flanker                               Charlie Gamble (Eastern Suburbs)

8. Number Eight                              Langi Gleeson (Manly)

9. Scrumhalf                                   Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)

10. Flyhalf                                        Lawson Creighton (Randwick)

11. Left Wing                                   Darby Lancaster (Eastern Suburbs)

12. Inside Centre                             Joey Walton (C) (Gordon)

13. Outside Centre                          Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

14. Right Wing                                 Archie Saunders (Warringah) *

15. Fullback                                     Max Jorgensen (Randwick)

Replacements

16. Reserve                                      Ethan Dobbins (Sydney University) *

17. Reserve                                      Isaac Kailea (Randwick)

18. Reserve                                      Daniel Botha (Sydney University)

19. Reserve                                      Felix Kalapu (Northern Suburbs)

20. Reserve                                      Jamie Adamson (Eastern Suburbs)

21. Reserve                                      Jack Grant (Eastern Suburbs)

22. Reserve                                      Tane Edmed (Eastwood)

23. Reserve                                      Lalakai Foketi (Manly)