Wallabies Confirm Full Team for Springboks Clash As Suaalii Gets New Role
- Australia have confirmed their full team for the Springboks clash, with several changes made to the side selected for Sunday's Test
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been handed a new role in the Wallabies backline, while another familiar name will have to wait on the bench
- Harry Wilson will lead Australia against the Springboks as Les Kiss reveals his starting XV and replacements for the Perth showdown
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The Wallabies have confirmed their team for Sunday's one-off Test against the Springboks at Perth's Optus Stadium, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set to start on the wing and Harry Wilson continuing as captain.
The 23-year-old Suaalii moves into the No 11 jersey for the first time at Test level. He joins Tom Wright and Max Jorgensen in the Australian back three.
The selection is one of four changes from the side that drew 28-28 with Argentina three weeks ago. Len Ikitau moves to outside centre, with Hunter Paisami starting at inside centre. Ryan Lonergan retains his place at scrumhalf alongside Ben Donaldson at flyhalf.
The Wallabies' official team announcement on X:
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Australia make changes across the team
Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns at hooker, while Allan Alaalatoa comes into the front row at tighthead prop. Angus Bell completes the front row.
Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham retain their places in the second row. Wilson again captains the side from No 8, with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight completing the back row.
Coach Les Kiss has selected a six-two split on the bench, with six forwards and two backs providing the Wallabies' cover.
"We've had a solid preparation window here in Perth ahead of what's going to be a massive Test against South Africa," Kiss said.
"Playing against the number one team in the world focuses the mind and we have worked hard, on key areas to meet this challenge and continue to grow our game."
Wallabies team to face Springboks
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Harry Potter.
The Springboks will face Australia on Sunday, 27 September, with kick-off scheduled for 11:45 SA time. SuperSport will broadcast the match live.
Australia have confirmed a side featuring several changes as they prepare to face the Springboks in Perth. Suaalii's move to the wing and the revised midfield are among the key selection developments, while Potter provides backline cover from the bench.
Harry Potter responds to Rassie Erasmus selection tactic
Briefly News previously reported that Wallabies winger Harry Potter was asked about Rassie Erasmus naming the Springboks team several days before the Perth Test. Potter suggested Australia would wait until the matchday squad was fully confirmed, while acknowledging the value of having an early look at the opposition.
The Wallabies are also preparing for key areas of the Springboks' game, with the aerial battle and South Africa's driving maul expected to be major talking points ahead of Sunday's clash.
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Source: Briefly News
