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Wallabies debut Suaalii as Erasmus names 13 changes

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Les Kiss Revamps Lineup

Wallabies coach Les Kiss started Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for his first test against South Africa.
Kiss kept Ben Donaldson at fly-half after Carter Gordon’s fractured leg forced his omission.
Len Ikitau shifted to outside centre, with Hunter Paisami at inside centre.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes and called the bench possibly the strongest ever.
Wallabies entered the match unbeaten in four tests under Kiss.

Summary

Justin Langer Advises

Heritage Day celebrations preceded the Perth test and sparked nationwide online debate about rugby’s cultural role.
Critics argued modern rugby institutions may clash with traditional heritage values, creating cultural tension.
Former Australian cricket captain Justin Langer visited Wallabies training and offered leadership insights from his cricket career.
Captain Harry Wilson said Langer’s advice on team culture could help the Wallabies before the Springboks clash.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, after apartheid ended and South Africa rejoined world rugby in 1992, Nelson Mandela presented the World Cup trophy to Springbok captain François Pienaar, a moment that linked rugby with reconciliation. That legacy resurfaces as Wallabies coach Les Kiss reshuffles his side for a test against Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks, while Heritage Day debates echo Mandela’s call for a unified sport. The 1995 final drew about 67,000 fans.

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Les Kiss Revamps Lineup

Wallabies coach Les Kiss started Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing for his first test against South Africa.
Kiss kept Ben Donaldson at fly-half after Carter Gordon’s fractured leg forced his omission.
Len Ikitau shifted to outside centre, with Hunter Paisami at inside centre.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes and called the bench possibly the strongest ever.
Wallabies entered the match unbeaten in four tests under Kiss.

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