Horan urges Wallabies to keep Suaalii on the wing ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Tim Horan has urged the Wallabies to give Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii more time on the wing over the next 12 months, following the utility back’s eye-catching debut in the position during Australia’s 42-38 win over the Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Suaalii had started exclusively at outside centre for the Wallabies before coach Les Kiss made the decision to shift him out wide for last weekend’s clash. The 23-year-old made an immediate impression, rising highest to claim possession from the opening kick-off and contributing to two tries before half-time as Australia took a seven-point lead into the break.

Horan, speaking to reporters in Sydney at an event marking one year until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, was enthusiastic about the positional experiment but stressed the importance of building familiarity before the tournament.

“I’d like to see him a bit more on the wing between now and the World Cup,” Horan said. “You’ve got 12 months to probably have a couple more games on the wing, because you don’t want to come into a Rugby World Cup and have only played one or two Test matches there.”

Horan was equally effusive about Suaalii’s broader versatility, suggesting the dual international could operate across multiple positions. “I think he’d be a 12, he could be a 10, he could play any position on the field, Joseph. He’s a wonderful athlete first and a footy player second. He could easily play at 15 as well.”

Kiss himself stopped short of committing to Suaalii on the wing long-term, noting the 25-Test Wallaby could also feature at fullback. “It’s there for us,” the coach said when pressed on the subject.

The Wallabies will be without centre Hunter Paisami for both matches in the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series after he was cited following a yellow card late in the Springboks match. Len Ikitau, the reigning John Eales Medal holder, left the field injured before the hour mark but has been named in the 34-man squad to face the All Blacks in Auckland and Sydney.

“In Auckland, I think Isaac Henry’s shown that he’s up to Test match footy now… hopefully Len Ikitau’s right,” Horan added.

Australia head into the Bledisloe Cup on a six-match unbeaten run stretching back to July, a sequence that began under Joe Schmidt before Les Kiss took charge. The Wallabies have since recorded four wins and one draw, and Horan acknowledged the growing momentum while urging caution.

“There’s some confidence there for the Wallabies, of what they did against the Springboks, but we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground. It’s only early days for Les Kiss’ side.”