Overview
- On Tuesday Wallabies coach Les Kiss confirmed Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii will start on the wing, a first Test start outside his usual outside‑centre role since switching from rugby league.
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus named a heavily rotated starting XV with 13 changes, retaining only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker to protect key players after a four‑Test series with New Zealand.
- Coaches from both sides warned the match will be a physical battle focused on scrums, mauls and contestable kicking, which Kiss says is why he wants Suaalii’s aerial ability on the flank.
- Springbok veteran Jesse Kriel publicly praised Suaalii’s code switch and athleticism, and Erasmus said he supports South African players taking professional opportunities overseas as scouts from the Perth Bears have reportedly been active.
- The one‑off Perth Test is being used as both a tactical experiment for Australia and a depth check for South Africa as both nations look ahead to the Nations Championship and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.