Suaalii handed first wing start as Wallabies face world-champion Springboks in Perth

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will wear the wing jersey for the first time in his Test career when the Wallabies face the Springboks in Perth, with coach Les Kiss reshaping his back three ahead of a meeting with the two-time reigning Rugby World Cup champions.

The 23-year-old has started exclusively at outside centre or fullback across his 24 Tests since crossing from the NRL, making Saturday’s selection a notable tactical shift. Suaalii lines up at No. 11 alongside Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in a new-look back three, while Hunter Paisami comes into the starting side at outside centre and 2025 John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau shifts one position wider.

Ben Donaldson retains the fly-half role he filled against Argentina in Mendoza, with Carter Gordon currently sidelined through injury. ACT Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan continues at scrum-half, forming the first-choice halfback pairing.

Harry Wilson captains the side from No. 8, flanked by Rob Valetini at blindside and the in-form Fraser McReight at openside. Tom Hooper is among the replacements after Charlie Cale was ruled out through injury. In the second row, Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams retain their places, with assistant coach Tom Donnelly having spoken this week about how internal competition is sharpening the lock contingent.

Angus Bell starts at loosehead prop alongside hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa, with Taniela Tupou and Billy Pollard among the forward cover off the bench.

South Africa arrive in Perth on the back of a 3-1 series win over the All Blacks, reinforcing their status as the world’s top-ranked side.

“We’ve had a solid preparation window here in Perth ahead of what’s going to be a massive Test against South Africa,” Kiss said. “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.”