mens
international
Wallabies great Michael Hooper was impressed by Joseph-Aukuso Suaali’s performance in the 42-38 win over the Springboks, believing the utility player was more influential in one start on the wing than in his last few appearances at centre.
Suaalii has only ever started at outside center for the Wallabies but coach Les Kiss made a big selection with the world champions in Australia last week. ‘Su’ joins Max Jorgesen and Tom Wright in a trio with a fresh look at the past, and all are capable of making an impact.
Jorgensen finished the test with total carries and running meters in the game, after rushing for a try during the second term. Wright was named man of the match and Suaalii made several important tries during the first half.
The 23-year-old Suaalii immediately struck down the wing, chasing the kick-off and rising highest to claim possession. The Wallaby looked extremely confident under the high ball, even setting up Len Ikitau with an aerial contest win around 30 minutes.
The Wallabies spread the ball on the final play before the break, with Suaalii putting in the final pass for try scorer Ben Donaldson. Suaalii made a late cross into the center but clearly turned heads in a girlish look on the edge.
“I think he set the tone with the way he went and got that first kick-off. Lenny Ikitau’s second try, that was key in him picking himself up and doing what he needed to do,” Hooper said on Stan Sport is between two posts.
“I think he’s had more big moments in one game than he’s had in the last couple at 13. Let’s see what happens with Lenny Ikitau and hopefully his injury isn’t too serious with him in the 13 jersey, but certainly Joseph, I think, just looks like he’ll find a better rhythm on the wing.”
Kiss’ decision to switch Suaali to the wing opened the door for reigning Wallabies Player of the Year (John Eales Medal winner) Ikitau to pull on “the jersey he’s meant to wear.” It’s been a while since Ikitau started from outside centre, but the 27-year-old got that shot last weekend.
Ikitau has not started in the number 13 shirt for club or country since Super Rugby Pacific semi-final 2025 But the midfielder finished with two tries against the Boks, before going off with an ankle injury in the second half.
Hunter Paisami also made the most of another rushing performance at inside center, connecting with Ikitau on a rush for the first time in years. Paisami had some positive links but was booked late on.
“He looked outstanding. That partnership with Hunter is outstanding,” added Hooper.
“The lines he runs, the chances he creates, how loud he is – you could see how loud he is on the pitch – and then just being in the right place at the right time. Suaalii is debatable that it just falls into his hands then, it’s not luck, it’s a good effort.
“I made a couple of good moves, missed the one we saw in the replay … except it was a pretty clean goal.”