Recast Wallabies star to lock horns with Kiwi legend as Wallabies announce Bledisloe squad

October 10, 2026 Keed

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s move to the wing will remain for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup opener as fellow star Wallaby Len Ikitau passed a fitness test to face the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Wallabies coach Les Kiss announced on change to the starting XV that defeated the Springboks in a thriller in Perth last month for the Auckland clash.

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Isaac Henry will join Ikitau in the centres as he replaces the suspended Hunter Paisami, while high flyer Suaalii will go head-to-head with New Zealand’s record try scorer Will Jordan in a mouth-watering match-up out wide.

As the Wallabies try to break their 40 year Eden Park hoodoo, Kiss has shuffled his bench.

Overseas-based forwards Taniela Tupou and Tom Hooper are unavailable, opening the door Massimo De Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny.

While Declan Meredith will provide playmaker cover as Kiss reverts to a traditional five/three split on the bench.

“Keeping consistency in the starting side gives us a solid foundation, while adding some freshness on the bench will provide energy late in the game,” Kiss said.

“There aren’t many tougher challenges than playing New Zealand at Eden Park, but it’s one we’re excited by and know that we will need to be at our best in all aspects of our game.”

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Wallabies reacts during the Rugby Championship match between Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Optus Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Wallabies (15-1): Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell

Reserves: Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter

All Blacks (15-1): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (c), Ethan de Groot

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane, Josh Moorby

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

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