In an intriguing turn for the Wallabies, coach Les Kiss is poised to shake things up by shifting Joseph Suaalii from his usual position when the team faces off against the Springboks this Sunday in Perth.
Sources reveal that Suaalii, traditionally playing as an outside centre, is set to feature on the wing. This marks a significant shift for the 23-year-old who has been a fixture at No 13 since his rugby union debut in late 2024, starting in that position for 22 of his 24 Tests.
The strategic adjustment enables a reshuffle in the backline, accommodating Hunter Paisami at inside centre while Len Ikitau reclaims his prior spot at No 13. Ikitau's performance at inside centre has been stellar, earning him the John Eales Medal in 2025 as the outstanding player in Australian rugby.
"My personality and me as a human, I’ve always loved trying to master different positions,"
Coach Kiss expressed his confidence in Suaalii's adaptability last August, stating his belief in the player's flexibility to excel beyond his usual role. The decision is partially influenced by Suaalii's exceptional aerial skills, an asset against the Springboks' renowned high-ball game.
"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."
This isn't the first instance of Suaalii playing wing, having previously taken the position in a Test against Japan in Osaka last month. The Springboks' tactical use of contested kicks will likely see Suaalii's aerial prowess tested against their capable wingers.
Suaalii's versatility is seen as a key advantage, potentially giving the Wallabies a critical edge in their upcoming match. With these strategic moves, Kiss aims to optimize his team's performance on the field, leveraging the strengths of his players in various positions.
The Wallabies' lineup shows a well-thought-out strategy aimed at countering specific threats from the Springboks while playing to their own strengths. As they gear up for Sunday's game, all eyes will be on how this tactical adjustment plays out on the field.
