Wallabies coach Les Kiss has made a bold move by announcing that 23-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing against South Africa in Perth on Sunday. Suaalii has previously played for the Wallabies on the outside center position, but Kiss believes he is ready for the challenge. Suaalii will form part of the back three alongside Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright.
Kiss chose Suaalii over Harry Potter, and he expressed his confidence in the young player's abilities. According to Kiss, Suaalii's reaction to the news was positive, and he didn't need to explain the reasons behind the decision. Suaalii's inclusion in the starting lineup is seen as a significant move, especially considering the opponent is the world's top-ranked team, South Africa.
The Wallabies have made several changes to their lineup, including Ben Donaldson replacing injured first-choice fly-half Carter Gordon. The front-row forwards Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Allan Alaalatoa are the only changes to the pack. The Wallabies have selected six forwards on the replacement bench in an attempt to counter South Africa's strong reserve bench. However, this decision has left the team appearing vulnerable, with a lack of experienced players on the bench.
Kiss acknowledged that the decision to select six forwards on the bench was thoroughly discussed by the coaching team. He expressed confidence that the team has been prepared to ensure sufficient coverage. The Wallabies face a tough challenge against South Africa, who have made 13 changes to their lineup that beat the All Blacks in Baltimore earlier this month.
The Springboks, despite their changes, still boast a team with plenty of experience. South Africa has won five of their last six test matches against Australia. The Wallabies, under new coach Les Kiss, have had a promising start, beating Japan twice and achieving a win and a draw in Argentina. However, Sunday's match against South Africa represents the biggest test for Kiss since taking over.
The Wallabies' starting lineup for Sunday's match includes Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the backline, with Ben Donaldson and Ryan Lonergan in the halfbacks. The forward pack consists of Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Angus Bell.
The match against South Africa is expected to be a significant challenge for the Wallabies. Les Kiss emphasized that the players have not lowered their expectations and are focused on improving every day. The Springboks will be looking to continue their dominance over the Wallabies, while Australia aims to cause an upset in Perth.
Key points
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to make his wing debut for the Wallabies against South Africa.
- The Wallabies have made several changes to their lineup, including Ben Donaldson replacing injured Carter Gordon.
- South Africa has won five of their last six test matches against Australia.
