Newly appointed Wallabies head coach, Les Kiss, has made a definitive decision regarding the utilization of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, pinpointing the midfield as his primary position for the upcoming internationals. Australia is set for challenging back-to-back matches against Japan, first in Osaka on August 8 and then in Townsville on August 15.
The debate around Suaalii's optimal position has been ongoing since his transition from rugby league to union in 2024. Under former coach Joe Schmidt, Suaalii was primarily seen at outside centre during the UK tour, which consisted of matches against prominent teams such as England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Despite shining at full-back with the Waratahs in the 2025 season and earning a spot in Super Rugby Pacific's Team of the Year, his role at the international level remained more centered. Kiss echoes Schmidt's perspective but remains flexible about future adjustments.
"I had a meeting with Joseph yesterday. He’s a big lad when you get really close to him, but he’s a super athlete. He’s a good footballer on many levels. I will be persisting at 13 with him at this stage, but I know that he can go to [full-back] and wing, and that’s important to acknowledge as well."
Meanwhile, the Wallabies squad has faced a shake-up due to injuries and selections. Len Ikitau's absence from the Japan series has inevitably led to a new face being called up. Only one overseas-based player, Taniela Tupou from Racing 92, has been included in the 34-man lineup.
Adding to the selection narrative, Jordan Petaia, who returned to union with Top 14 club Perpignan after an American football endeavor, was considered but ultimately not selected. However, his future prospects remain open as he prepares to move to a Japanese club soon.
"Jordy’s there, working away and we’ll keep looking at him," Kiss noted. "There’ll be conversations that we’ll have with the coaches first and then we’ll talk to the right people about where we go with that. We want the right players to be here and those that can make a difference and give us what we need in games. I won’t be afraid to look overseas, but respect what we’ve got here."
As the Wallabies enter a new era under Kiss's leadership, the focus is sharply on improvement and optimal deployment of talent, such as Suaalii’s, whose versatility offers strategic depth to the team’s setup. The upcoming games against Japan will not only test their readiness but also offer a glimpse into the future composition and strategy of the team under its new guidance.
