Suaalii shifts to wing as Wallabies meet world champions in Perth
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing for the first time when Australia face world champions South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, 27 September.
The 23-year-old shifts from outside centre to left wing. He has 24 Wallabies caps. It is a bold call. The Guardian
Len Ikitau takes Suaalii's old shirt at outside centre, the No 13 spot in the middle of the backline where defence is tight and breaks are precious. Hunter Paisami joins him in midfield. Harry Potter waits on the bench as the reserve winger, and coach Les Kiss expects Suaalii to slide back into centre when Potter comes on.
Australia arrive unbeaten in four Tests under Kiss. This is his first match in charge against one of rugby's traditional powers. Kiss has warned his players they will need a big step up in physicality and intensity against the Springboks. Reuters
Kiss has stacked the bench for that challenge. Australia have named six forwards among the replacements, one more than the usual five forwards and three backs split. The extra muscle is built for scrums, lineouts and the tackle contest late in the game, when legs are heavy.
There has been late disruption. Lock Josh Canham pulled up and dropped out of the confirmed side, forcing a reshuffle. Jordan Petaia is back in the squad to add cover in the outside backs.
South Africa bring serious form to Perth. They beat New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore two weeks ago. Their finishing group in Perth includes the entire front row, the two props and hooker, that started the last two Tests against the All Blacks. That points to power late on.
The occasion carries extra weight. The game is being played almost exactly one year before Australia's home Rugby World Cup begins, with the opening match set for the same Perth venue. Rugby.com.au
For Kiss, there is history too. South Africa gave him his first coaching opportunity in rugby union more than two decades ago.
What makes this stand out is the test of timing. Australia are building momentum under a new coach. South Africa are champions and hardened by New Zealand. Perth will show how close the Wallabies really are, one year out from a home World Cup.
