It’s a massive opportunity to challenge a fantastic team that is second to none in the world. An opportunity to challenge ourselves too. We won’t shy away; we’ll take it on. This 80 minutes will be a representation of where we’re at – and who we are.

That’s Wallabies coach Les Kiss, who had a chat with our own Angus Fontaine last week.

“The focus for us is physicality,” puffs Rob Valetini as he makes his way down the tunnel after the warm-up. He also suggested new winger Suaalii would be used as an aerial target.

The individual under the most scrutiny today will be Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The 23 year old rugby league recruit has been Australia’s poster boy since his high profile code switch in 2024, performing solidly in the centres in 22 internationals without setting the world alight. He lines up on the wing today, with Hunter Paisami partnering John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau in the midfield.

The Australian camp have been keen to stress this isn’t a demotion but an opportunity to get the powerful runner into the action in areas where he has more room to express himself. Michael Hooper on TV says he expects Suaalii to swing off his wing at times to provide attacking impetus, especially on the counter when he isn’t required to hold width as an aerial target.

Competition for places in the Wallaby backline is fierce – and that’s before the returning Mark Nawaqanitawase comes into the equation – with Jordan Petaia and Zac Lomax also looming as possible World Cup wildcards.

Evening conditions in Perth are fine. Temperatures are in the high teens, there’s little wind, and despite a few showers blowing through during the day there should be no concerns over the playing surface. It is an oval stadium designed for cricket and Australian Rules football so the crowd is a little way back from the touchlines.

The Wallabies are enjoying their first five-match unbeaten streak since 2021, a run that includes a morale boosting series victory in Argentina.

The Springboks are coming off a monumental four match series against the All Blacks. Their 3-1 victory further cemented their status as World Cup favourites.

Team News

Australia: The Wallabies’ travails at No 10 continue with Carter Gordon breaking his leg against the Pumas last time out. Les Kiss considered veterans James O’Connor and Bernard Foley as replacements but opted instead for Ben Donaldson. There is no replacement five-eighth on the bench with Kiss opting for a 6-2 interchange split.

Those younger guys, we’re trying to make sure we get them upskilled, [have] them understand how they can lead the game and drive it forward.

Part of the thinking was ensuring that those guys can have a bit of blue sky and make sure they take the team and the game forward the way that we’d like to. And we know that we can always, always lean back into the experience if we need to.

Donaldson will be invited to organise an increasingly settled and formidable looking squad. The only experiment to the starting XV tonight sees regular centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii starting on the wing.

In-form lock Josh Canham was named in the original run-on side but was ruled out yesterday with a minor hamstring strain. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto takes the No 4 jersey with Lachie Shaw coming onto the bench.

Springboks: The bruising four match clash against New Zealand included a deciding contest in Baltimore just a fortnight ago, so it came as little surprise when Rassie Erasmus named a virtual second XV for this standalone fixture, making 13 changes to his starting XV. Among the big names watching from home or in the Optus Stadium stands will be Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Thomas du Toit.

We rolled the dice a little bit against the All Blacks by [selecting] consistently the same team. We obviously were getting some momentum as [the series went] on longer, but if we keep on doing that, how would we know when we get to the Nations Championship at the end of the year, or at the World Cup next year, what can the next guy do?

With The Rugby Championship on hiatus and this fixture falling outside the Nations Championship windows, the prize on offer tonight is the Mandela Challenge Plate. First fought over in 2000, the Springboks have held the trophy since 2023.

Sunday night’s clash between the Wallabies and South Africa in Perth marks a year from the start of the home World Cup, which will kick off with the Wallabies playing at the same venue.

The date with the mighty Springboks is also the first match under Wallabies coach Les Kiss against one of the traditional rugby powers.