mens
international
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has explained the headline-grabbing decision to name Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for the first time, with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau set to restart their center combination against the Springboks in Perth.
Suaalii was just starting Test matches in the No.13 jersey, but also spent time as a full-back for NSW Waratahs last year. ‘Su’ is actually called 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year at the cornerback position, selected ahead of the likes of Tom Wright and Will Jordan.
Whether the Wallabies should move Suaali out of the midfield has been the talk of the town for some time. Morgan said to Turinu Stan Sport is between two posts two months ago, “I never want to see Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii playing 13 again,” instead of seeing the code-hopper as a back three player.
Like a one-year countdown to manhood Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia close, with the Wallabies hosting Hong Kong China at the opening of the tournament on October 1, Kiss and the other selectors identified several reasons for this selection.
“On the first day and the first meeting I had with Su, we said we’d start at 13 and we’d work from there at that stage. We’ve tried to build different ways of approaching the substitutions, one of which is Su can go to the wing,” Kiss told reporters in Perth.
“The opportunity to look at this game came from probably three or four different angles; the dogfight is going to be big. It’s probably one of the best in the business.”
“I think Hunter (Paisami) played some incredible football and Lenny’s (Ikitau) class is there, so it gave us a chance to look at that center partnership as well, together again.
“The six-two (bench) also shaped the mindset … there are a lot of factors at play here. It made sense to us, when we discussed it as a coaching group, to start him on the wing and he’s ready for it.”
Suaalii came off the bench twice for the Wallabies, but was otherwise exclusively used in the rush as an outside centre. The 23-year-old has regularly combined with Len Ikitau in midfield, but the team looks a little different this week.
Suaalii joins Waratahs teammate Max Jorgensen and 50-Test back Tom Wright in the new trio. Jorgensen, who was named in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific team of the year on the wing, was asked about the decision to move Suaalii.
“It’s very exciting for Su. First game on the wing – I know he’s pretty excited,” Jorgensen said.
“Everyone knows what they can bring.
“Obviously the aerial battle will be big, everyone knows how good he is in the air and it will be a good change for him and definitely exciting.”
Paisami and Ikitau will link up at the centers for the first time in two years, and the pair have more than 90 Test experience between them. Ikitau is the reigning winner of the John Eales Medal, which is awarded to the Wallabies’ player of the year.
Ikitau was previously a regular starter at outside center for club and country, playing that role for ACT Brumbies and the Wallabies. But last season, Ikitau was primarily used as an inside center by both Exeter Chiefs and representation.
“Both Len and Hunter can play the 13 well. Their defensive reads are very strong in that 13 channel,” Kiss explained.
“Lenny’s no stranger to being 13, we know that. I would imagine at different times they’ll be able to chop and change and make a difference or manage their positions that way.”
“Both of them are very useful with the way they use their hands and footwork. They both have a really good short passing game but equally a long game.”
