With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in sight, new Wallabies coach Les Kiss has begun reshaping the Australian squad, making significant changes ahead of their upcoming Tests against Argentina. This weekend, the Wallabies will face the Pumas in Salvador de Jujuy with a heavily altered side, including the unexpected decision to move Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the bench and restore Allan Alaalatoa as captain, replacing backrower Harry Wilson.
Suaalii, who is the highest-paid player in Australian rugby with a $5 million contract, has been a consistent starter but was sidelined this time amid concerns over his recent form and a hamstring injury. Kiss emphasized that the changes are part of a broader strategy to build depth and prepare the squad for next year’s World Cup. Suaalii is expected to start in the second Test next week, with Kiss aiming to ease him back while exploring different midfield partnerships. Isaac Henry and Hunter Paisami will start as the centre pairing against Argentina, a combination that impressed in the recent match against Japan.
“We want to focus on our strengths and how we can utilise our different options to future-proof the team,” Kiss said. He dismissed the notion that the adjustments reflected panic or a shift away from the foundations laid by former coach Joe Schmidt. Instead, Kiss is balancing player workload and assessing alternatives to strengthen the squad.
The leadership shuffle saw Alaalatoa appointed captain for the seventh time, although Kiss confirmed Harry Wilson remains the preferred skipper for the future. He expressed concerns about the burden the captaincy places on Wilson, especially with the heightened expectations leading into a home World Cup. “The responsibility of that role is massive, and I don’t want it to weigh too heavily on him,” Kiss noted.
The forward pack also saw a complete overhaul, with Taniela Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto missing through injury but a strong lineup still assembled. Rob Valetini stepped in at No. 8, with Tom Hooper and Fraser McReight covering flanker positions. Isaac Kailea returned at loosehead prop for his first test since 2024, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Josh Canham, and Jeremy Williams completed the pack. Kiss highlighted that rotating players is key to maintaining fitness and competition within the group.
In the backs, fullback Tom Wright defended Suaalii’s value to the team, praising his professionalism and influence on younger players despite ongoing external debates about his best playing position. Wright said, “From my perspective, he’s been awesome for us and sets a really good example.”
Kiss has also reinvigorated the Wallabies with a faster-tempo, more expansive style of play, moving away from the pragmatic, kicking-heavy tactics used by previous New Zealand coaches. Wright described this shift as energizing for the team but acknowledged the need to balance risk and ball control.
Australia’s openers against Argentina will face a stiffer physical challenge than they encountered in their recent demolition of Japan, but the Wallabies appear focused on leveraging the current opportunities to build a versatile and resilient squad ahead of the World Cup campaign.