mens
international
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has explained the decision to keep Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for the second match in a row with Queensland Red Isaac Henry wins the starting jersey ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series opener.
Suaalii first started at outside center for the Wallabies before moving to the wing for the 42-38 win over the Springboks in Perth. The 23-year-old joins Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in the back three, and that combination will take to the field against All black people this weekend.
Hunter Paisami is unavailable through suspension, which sees Len Ikitau move up one spot from outside center after overcoming injury. 2025 John Eales Medalist (Wallabies Player of the Year) joins Wallaby with four tests in midfield.
Whether or not Kiss will stick with Suaali on the wing was a topic of conversation ahead of the first of two Bledisloe Cup matches this month, but the coach explained it was a “pretty simple decision” to reward Henry with a starting role.
“We know he can get back into the middle during the game, that’s a big thing,” Kiss told reporters in Auckland.
“It’s a shame to lose Hunter, but we know (Henry has) done really well in the opportunities he’s had. He’s been impressed with training, Isaac, so it’s a pretty simple decision in the end.”
“We just want to keep that continuity from the back three and see how it can go for another week. We know the aerial game is quite important and Max and Joseph did very well last week. I have no doubt it will be important again, so fingers crossed it works.”
Henry has faced multiple setbacks due to injuries in recent seasons, but has continued to fight to return to the field. The 27-year-old became Wallaby No. 999 after coming off the bench against him Japan in Osaka, before starting a week later against the same opposition.
Kiss kept Henry in the starting side for the first leg away to Los Pumas, before returning the all-rounder to the bench. The Queenslander did not play against the Springboks at Optus Stadium, but they are now just days away from taking on the All Blacks at the Garden.
“Choosing is a difficult thing,” Kiss said.
“You disappoint a lot of people at times. But there are good moments in it and it’s a really good moment to earn that jersey against the All Blacks and he’s earned it.
“A quality person first and foremost. A great teammate, he’s the team’s first man. He works hard at his craft, and he also happens to be damn talented. It’s a good combination.”
“I’m really pleased for him and he’s ready.”
