Wallabies coach Les Kiss is set to spring a positional surprise by moving Joseph Suaalii elsewhere in the backline when he names his team for Sunday’s Test against the Springboks in Perth.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Kiss is considering redeploying Suaalii to the wing. It would be the first time since Suaalii switched to rugby union in late 2024 that the 23-year-old starts a Test anywhere other than outside centre.
Suaalii has started 22 of his 24 Tests at No 13, with the other two appearances coming off the bench. His only previous stint on the wing for Australia came during last month’s Test against Japan in Osaka.
The move is expected to see Hunter Paisami start at inside centre, with Len Ikitau returning to No 13 – the position he occupied before Suaalii’s arrival. Ikitau has excelled at inside centre since making the switch and was awarded the John Eales Medal in 2025 as the top player in Australian rugby.
Suaalii’s aerial ability appears to be a key factor behind Kiss’ decision, with the Springboks expected to make use of their contested kicking game in Perth. The Springbok wingers are also strong under the high ball, but Suaalii’s athleticism could give the Wallabies another option in the aerial contest.
Kiss said in August that he still regarded Suaalii as a centre but believed the youngster had the versatility to play elsewhere.
Suaalii has also previously made it clear that he is comfortable moving around the backline.
“My personality and me as a human, I’ve always loved trying to master different positions,” he said.
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“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.”
Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
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Wallabies coach Les Kiss is set to spring a positional surprise by moving Joseph Suaalii elsewhere in the backline when he names his team for Sunday’s Test against the Springboks in Perth.
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