Wallabies pick Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing to defuse Bok bombs

Wallabies pick Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing to defuse Bok bombs

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 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 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 - 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Harry Potter.

Related News

Australia vs South Africa preview: Springbok depth to be tested in Perth

Australia vs South Africa preview: Springbok depth to be tested in Perth

  • 8 hours ago

The Springboks will put their impressive squad depth to the test when they take on a resurgent Australia side in a one-off Test in Perth on Sunday.

'The fire is burning in me', says Springbok livewire Herschel Jantjies

'The fire is burning in me', says Springbok livewire Herschel Jantjies

  • 8 hours ago

Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies insists the fire still burns to represent South Africa after being in and out of the Bok set-up since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Former Springbok claims Yaqeen Ahmed is coming for SFM's Bok jersey

Former Springbok claims Yaqeen Ahmed is coming for SFM's Bok jersey

  • 7 hours ago

Former Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo believes rising star Yaqeen Ahmed has all the attributes to don the Bok No.10 jersey in the very near future.

Wallabies looking to take on the Springboks up front in Perth

Wallabies looking to take on the Springboks up front in Perth

  • 1 day ago

Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams is aiming to take on the Springboks at one of their strengths - their brutal forward pack.