The Rugby World’s spotlight returns to Perth this weekend as the Wallabies prepare to face world champions South Africa at Optus Stadium. The match, scheduled for Sunday evening local time, will feature a notable presence from the city’s own Western Force club with four Force players included in the starting XV.
Home representation in key positions
Perth-based fly-half Ben Donaldson has been selected to start for the Wallabies, continuing his run in the international half-back role. He will partner with Ryan Lonergan at scrum-half, who keeps his place after starting every Test so far in 2026. The halves combination will bring a measure of familiarity for local supporters who follow the Force closely.
The backline also features some reconfiguration. Versatile youngster Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, aged 23, is named on the wing for the first time in Test colours, joining a back three with Tom Wright at full-back and Max Jorgensen on the other wing. Jorgensen made his Test debut at the same venue in 2024, a fact that underlines the continuity of Optus Stadium as a launching pad for Wallaby careers.
Midfield and forward continuity
The midfield pairing sees last year’s John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau shifted to outside centre, while Queensland’s Hunter Paisami is named at inside centre. The pair will be starting together in Wallaby gold for the 13th time, bringing established chemistry into what promises to be a physical midfield battle.
Up front, Perth supporters will see the return of Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the starting pack alongside experienced Test prop Allan Alaalatoa, who will be making his 94th appearance for his country. The rest of the forward pack remains largely unchanged from the team’s previous outing, with Force skipper Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham named as the starting second rowers.
- Starting halves: Ben Donaldson (Perth-based) and Ryan Lonergan
- Notable backs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (first Test start on the wing), Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen
- Front row and forwards: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa (94 caps), Angus Bell, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham
Leadership in the pack is also underlined by the selection of Harry Wilson to captain the side from the back of the scrum, with dynamic loose forwards Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight completing the starting back row.
Bench composition and tactical choices
Coaches have opted for a 6/2 split on the bench, signalling an emphasis on forward depth and front-row cover. Replacement props named include Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross and Taniela Tupou, while the bench also carries experienced second-row and loose-forward options such as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. The backs’ cover on the bench includes livewire scrum-half Tate McDermott alongside utility back Harry Potter.
| Position group | Key names (from announcement) |
|---|---|
| Halves | Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan |
| Back three / centres | Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami |
| Front row / pack | Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham |
The selection underlines the role Perth now plays in hosting high-profile internationals and providing talent to the Wallabies pathway. Optus Stadium has become a regular venue for both emerging and established Australian internationals, and the inclusion of home-based players will be particularly noticed by local crowds.
Residents and supporters in Perth will be watching closely as local players step into pivotal roles for the national side on home soil.
For the Western Force and their fans, the match offers both pride and pressure: pride in seeing four of their players in the starting XV for a marquee Test; pressure in terms of expectation for strong performances on a stage shared with the world champions. With selection largely reflecting continuity and experience in key areas, the Wallabies will rely on both local familiarity and international know-how as they prepare to meet South Africa.
Ticketing information and further membership details for Western Force supporters were referenced in the official announcement; local fans keen to attend should consult the club’s channels for the latest availability and arrangements for match day at Optus Stadium.
