The 23-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the Wallabies for the first time against the Springboks 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 on the right wing, the latter having 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 Hunter Paisami named at inside centre. Paisami and Ikitau will be starting together in the midfield for the 13th time in Wallaby gold.
Ryan Lonergan is named at scrumhalf, continuing his streak of starting every Test so far in 2026. He will partner Perth-based Ben Donaldson at flyhalf for the second consecutive Test.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to the starting side, as does the experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa, who will make his 94th appearance for his country. Angus Bell finishes the run on the front row.
Elsewhere, the forward pack remains unchanged from the team’s last outing, with Jeremy Williams and athletic Josh Canham the starting second rowers.
Harry Wilson will again captain the side from the back of the scrum, with the damaging Rob Valetini and dynamic Fraser McReight the starting flankers.
The coaches have opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench, with Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou as the substitute front row. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will be asked to use his experience as the replacement second rower, with Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano’s physicality to be called upon as the remaining forward cover. Tate McDermott and Harry Potter are the two backs 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 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:
- Angus Bell (57 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa (30 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts
- Allan Alaalatoa (93 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors
- Josh Canham (8 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Jeremy Williams (32 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
- Rob Valetini (68 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Fraser McReight (46 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
- Harry Wilson (captain, 42 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
- Ryan Lonergan (12 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
- Ben Donaldson (25 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (24 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
- Hunter Paisami (38 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
- Len Ikitau (54 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
- Max Jorgensen (27 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
- Tom Wright (50 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Replacements: - Billy Pollard (24 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
- Aidan Ross (6 Tests) - #994; Bond University
- Taniela Tupou (73 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (47 Tests) - #914; Randwick Rugby
- Tom Hooper (24 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
- Carlo Tizzano (16 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
- Tate McDermott (56 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
- Harry Potter (15 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams