23-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the Wallabies for the first time against South Africa 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 Queensland’s Hunter Paisami named at inside centre. Paisami and Ikitau starting together in the midfield for the 13th time in Wallaby gold.
Ryan Lonergan is named in the number nine jersey, continuing his streak of starting every Test so far in 2026. He will partner Perth-based Ben Donaldson in the halves for the second consecutive Test.
Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to the starting side, as does the experienced Allan Alaalatoa who will make his 94th appearance for his country. Angus Bell finalises the run on front row.
Elsewhere the forward pack remains unchanged from the team’s last outing, with Force skipper 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 6/2 split on the bench with Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou 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.
Livewire Tate McDermott and hard-working Harry Potter are the two backs on the pine.
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.”
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. Josh Canham (8 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
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. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (47 Tests) - #914; Randwick Rugby
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
Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies 57 defeated Italy 10 on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies 35 defeated Japan 32 on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies 56 defeated Japan 17 on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies 27 defeated Argentina 21 on Saturday August 29 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
Wallabies 28 drew with Argentina 28 on Saturday September 5 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 5:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
