Australia have named their team for Sunday’s one-off Test against the Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium, with Harry Potter included among the Wallabies replacements.
The 23-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his first start on the wing against South Africa, joining Tom Wright and Max Jorgensen in an exciting-looking Australian back three.
Potter, meanwhile, has been named as one of two backline options on the bench and could be called upon during the second half as Australia look to challenge the Springboks.
Suaalii gets starting opportunity
Suaalii’s move to the wing means Len Ikitau shifts to outside centre, with Hunter Paisami starting at inside centre.
The pair will combine in the midfield for the 13th time in Wallabies colours.
Ryan Lonergan retains his place at scrumhalf after starting every Test for Australia in 2026 so far. He will once again link up with Perth-based flyhalf Ben Donaldson.
Up front, Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to the starting XV, while veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa is set to earn his 94th international cap. Angus Bell completes the front row.
Australia keep faith with forward pack
The Wallabies have kept their starting second row unchanged, with Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham continuing together.
Captain Harry Wilson will lead the team from No. 8, with Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini named on the flanks.
Australia have opted for six forwards and two backs among their replacements.
Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou provide front-row cover, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is the replacement lock.
Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano round out the forward replacements, with Tate McDermott and Potter completing the bench.
Kiss expects a major challenge
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss says his team has had a productive preparation period in Perth ahead of what promises to be a demanding Test against the Springboks.
Australia will face the challenge of taking on the world’s top-ranked side, with the Wallabies looking to execute their game plan and continue building momentum.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11:45 SAST on Sunday, 27 September, with the match to be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Australia XV
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: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Harry Potter.
South Africa XV
15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Canan Moodie
12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain)
11 Ethan Hooker
10 Handre Pollard
9 Herschel Jantjies
8 Marco van Staden
7 Elrigh Louw
6 Paul de Villiers
5 Franco Mostert
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Zachary Porthen
2 Johan Grobbelaar
1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
