Wallabies name Suaalii on wing and six-forward bench for South Africa Test

Australia have named Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for the first time in a Wallabies starting side, while coach Les Kiss has selected a bench containing six forwards and two backs for Sunday's Test against South Africa in Perth. The Guardian reported the selections as part of Australia's latest team announcement.

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Suaalii has shifted to the wing during previous Wallabies appearances, but this is his first selection there from the start. He takes the left-wing position, with Max Jorgensen on the right and Tom Wright at fullback. The midfield pairing is Hunter Paisami at inside centre and Len Ikitau at outside centre, while Ryan Lonergan and Ben Donaldson form the starting halfback combination.

The other significant change is the balance of the replacements. Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou provide front-row cover, joined by Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano among the forward reserves. Tate McDermott and Harry Potter are the only backs on the bench, as Kiss adds forward options against the reigning world champions.

In the starting pack, Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been selected at hooker between props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. The rest of the forwards are unchanged from Australia's draw with Argentina. Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams start at lock, with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight alongside captain Harry Wilson, who continues at number eight.

According to the Guardian, Australia last used a six-forward bench in the second Test against the British & Irish Lions in July last year, a match the visitors won 29-26. Former coach Joe Schmidt subsequently announced the same split for a match against South Africa, but changed to five forwards and three backs before kick-off.

South Africa have also announced extensive changes following their four-match series against New Zealand. Rassie Erasmus has altered 13 places in his starting side, although flyhalf Handre Pollard and lock Eben Etzebeth remain among the experienced players selected. Both were part of the Springboks' past two World Cup-winning campaigns.

The announcement comes with Australia unbeaten through Kiss's first four matches in charge. The Wallabies have six further Tests scheduled this year after the Perth fixture: two against New Zealand next month and four Nations Championship matches in Europe in November, ahead of next year's home World Cup.