Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii starts on wing for Springboks clash

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his first start on the wing for the Wallabies after being named in Les Kiss’s side to face South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday.

The 23-year-old will wear the No.11 jersey in a back three alongside Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright as Australia look to extend their unbeaten start under Kiss.

Suaalii handed first Wallabies wing start

Suaalii has previously finished matches on the wing but Sunday will mark his first start in the position.

His move allows Hunter Paisami to return at inside centre alongside Len Ikitau, while Harry Potter drops to the bench.

Kiss said Suaalii had reacted positively to the positional switch and needed little explanation about the decision.

“He was up for it, no doubt,” the Wallabies coach said.

Donaldson starts at fly-half

Ben Donaldson continues at fly-half in the absence of Carter Gordon, who suffered a fractured leg during Australia’s 28-28 draw with Argentina in Mendoza earlier this month.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Allan Alaalatoa are the only changes to the starting pack from that match, replacing Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou in the front row.

Australia have selected six forwards among their eight replacements, with Tate McDermott and Potter providing the backline cover.

Wallabies face world number one Springboks

The Wallabies enter the contest unbeaten in four Tests since Kiss officially took charge from Joe Schmidt in July. Australia defeated Japan twice before beating Argentina 27-21 and drawing the second Test 28-28 to secure the series.

South Africa arrive in Perth after winning their four-Test series against New Zealand 3-1.

The Springboks have won five of their last six Tests against Australia, although the Wallabies claimed a 38-22 victory at Ellis Park in August 2025.

Australia XV: 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

Reserves: 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