Suaalii named on wing, Paisami & Ikitau start in midfield against South Africa

September 25, 2026
1012
Ultimate Rugby

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.”

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. 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