Suaalii shifted to wing as Kiss rolls dice for Boks

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has pulled the trigger on a positional change for highly paid star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and shifted him to the wing to meet the Springboks in Perth on Sunday.

For the first time since Suaalii switched to rugby in late 2024, the 23-year-old is set to start a Test in a spot other than outside centre; the role he has played in 22 of his 24 Tests. He came off the bench in the other two Tests.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action against Argentina.Getty ImagesSuaalii’s only time on the wing for the Wallabies came mid-game against Japan in Osaka last month, and he has only played centre or fullback for the Waratahs.

The move will see Hunter Paisami start at No.12 and Len Ikitau return to No.13, the position he played before Suaalii’s arrival. Ikitau proved outstanding as an inside centre and won the John Eales medal in 2025, awarded to the top player of the Australian season.

But debate has raged on about Suaalii’s best position.

The aerial athleticism of Suaalii is a big factor in Kiss’ decision, given the Springboks use contested kicking heavily as a tactic to win possession and establish a foothold in their rivals’ territory.

Len Ikitau will be moved back to outside centre.Getty ImagesThe Boks’ wingers are strong in the air, but Suaalii’s capacity to win high kick contests will be a strong counter.

Kiss said in August he still regarded Suaalii as a centre who had the capacity to be versatile and play other roles.

Suaalii told reporters earlier this month he was comfortable playing multiple positions.

“My personality and me as a human, I’ve always loved trying to master different positions,” he said.

“I feel like that’s the excitement with rugby. Myself, I know I can play 12, I know I can play 13, I know I can play fullback, I know I can play wing, hopefully when I’m a little bit older I can play 10 as well.

“I’m just having an open mindset to position, and just trying to be great at what I do.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s aerial skill will be useful against the Boks.Getty ImagesAdvertisementPaisami’s excellent form against Japan and Argentina, while Ikitau was injured, has impressed Kiss and likely played a big part in the decision to try a new combination.

After 29 Tests at No.13 (and four from the bench), Ikitau moved to inside centre when Suaalii debuted in late 2024. He now has 50 Test caps.

“Obviously, I’ve only played 12 since Joseph’s come in, and I’ve only played 13 for the Brumbies, but for me, I love playing 12 or 13,” Ikitau said in August.

“I am happy to do my part whether that’s [number] 12 or 13. Or [number] 23 or 22. I’m quite happy as just a centre, not really a 12 or 13 – but just being able to cover both.”

Ikitau said the roles, while different, are not as technically distinct as they once were.

“Defensively 13 is a lot harder,” he said. You’ve got to be able to make those double reads on the edge, and 12, you get your hands on the ball a bit more. There’s pros and cons playing 12 and 13, but I enjoy both.”

Ben Donaldson is set to retain his spot at No.10, with Carter Gordon out with a broken leg.

The Wallabies are set to go with a 6-2 bench to counter the Springboks’ bomb squad among their reserves, which Boks coach Rassie Erasmus named on Tuesday night. Tom Hooper is set to return on the bench.

Erasmus has named a heavily rotated team to face the Wallabies, with only winger Ethan Hooker and second-rower Eben Etzebeth retained as starters from the team that defeated New Zealand in Baltimore in the final Test of the four-match series.

South Africa have also named an experienced bench, including hooker Malcolm Marx and loosehead prop Ox Nche, to offset an inexperienced Test front row of Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Captain Siya Kolisi drops out of the squad.

“Sometimes you have to roll the dice,” Erasmus said. “We rolled the dice a little bit against the All Blacks with playing consistently [with] the same team and obviously getting some momentum as it goes on longer, but if we keep on doing that, how would we know when we get to the Nations Championship at the end of the year or at the World Cup next year, what can the next guy do?

“I can tell you that they’re really hungry [the starters], they really want to play, and they’ve been idling for a hell of a long time. We know they’ll be up for this match [the Wallabies], licking their lips and trying to sink their teeth into us and finding a good foothold here.”

The Wallabies name their team on Friday.

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