Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii handed new role in Australia team to take on South Africa

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the first time for Australia with Ben Donaldson backed at fly half for their meeting with South Africa in Perth.

Suaalii has played at outside centre and full-back since crossing codes from rugby league in 2024 but switches role as new Wallabies boss Les Kiss seeks to get the best out of the 23-year-old’s athletic talent.

His switch to the left wing sees Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau paired in midfield, with Donaldson partnered by Ryan Lonergan in the halves.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa splits Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa in an experienced front row in the sole change to the starting pack that featured in the drawn Test against Argentina last month.

Kiss opts for six forwards on the bench as he prepares for the physical challenge that the Springboks will bring.

“We’ve had a solid preparation window here in Perth ahead of what’s going to be a massive Test against South Africa,” Kiss, as yet unbeaten in four matches as Australia head coach, 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.”

Australia XV to face South Africa in Perth (Sunday 27 September, 10.45am BST): 1 Angus Bell, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Josh Canham, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Ben Donaldson; 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Len Ikitau, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.

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