UPDATE: Canham out as Wallabies confirm strong side to face Springboks

Sat, Sep 26, 2026, 12:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

UPDATE: Wallabies lock Josh Canham has been ruled out of Sunday’s Test against South Africa with a mild hamstring strain.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto comes into the starting side, with Lachlan Shaw added to the bench.


Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set for his first start on the wing as Wallabies coach Les Kiss confirms a strong team for Sunday’s clash against world champions South Africa.

Suaalii has previously finished games on the wing under Kiss, but his naming in a back-three alongside Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright at Perth's Optus Stadium will be his first start on the wing at club or international level.

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The cross-code star previously featured at fullback for the NSW Waratahs, as the move allows Hunter Paisami to return to the centres alongside Len Ikitau.

Paisami and Ikitau will start together in the midfield for the 13th time in Wallaby gold, with the Queenslander impressing during starts against Japan.

"The opportunity to look at this game came from probably three or four different angles," Kiss said on moving Suaalii to the wing.

"The aerial battle, he's going to be big, he's probably one of the best in the business. I think Hunter [Paisami] has been playing unbelievable footy and his class is there [to be seen] so it gave us an opportunity to look at that centre partnership as well together again."

Front-rowers Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Allan Alaalatoa are the lone changes to the pack after the draw with Argentina in Mendoza, with Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou moved to finishing roles.

It comes as Kiss opts for a 6-2 split on the bench in anticipation of the back-to-back world champions.

Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano have been added to the side, with Hooper recovering from a slight shoulder knock.

Meanwhile, Tizzano replaces Charlie Cale (shoulder), who is set to miss the rest of the year after a training incident.

Tate McDermott and Harry Potter will cover the backline, looking to regain the Mandela Challenge Plate.

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

The Wallabies and Springboks are even in their ten Tests played in Perth, with four wins a piece along with two draws.

"I'm pleased for the boys that they've put some things together. They've worked hard for a long time and now they're putting some wins together," Kiss added.

"...We're now playing the best in the world. We know it's going to be a tough, hard yakka this weekend.

"It's our backyard so let's go and make sure we show up and see what happens."

Wallabies team to play South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday September 27 at 5:30pm AWST

1. Angus Bell (57 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (30 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts

3. Allan Alaalatoa (93 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors

4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (47 Tests) - #914; Randwick Rugby

5. Jeremy Williams (32 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers

6. Rob Valetini (68 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (46 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (42 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Ryan Lonergan (12 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings

10. Ben Donaldson (25 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles

11. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (24 Tests) - #988; The Kings School

12. Hunter Paisami (38 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

13. Len Ikitau (54 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings

14. Max Jorgensen (27 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves

15. Tom Wright (50 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (24 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Aidan Ross (6 Tests) - #994; Bond University

18. Taniela Tupou (73 Tests - #917; Brothers Rugby

19. Lachlan Shaw (4 Tests) - #998; Uni of Queensland

20. Tom Hooper (24 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs

21. Carlo Tizzano (16 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia

22. Tate McDermott (56 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club

23. Harry Potter (15 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams

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