What Kiss’ approach to attack will mean for million-dollar man Suaalii

August 9, 2026 — 1:33pm

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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii finished the 35-32 win against Japan on the wing - and that was a preview of where he will end up under new coach Les Kiss.

A number of push and pull factors are at play - including the value that Hunter Paisami offers in the way Kiss likes to attack - but ultimately Suaalii’s strengths and weaknesses are better suited to the outside backs.

The 23-year-old is a sight to behold with ball in hand - and showed it in Osaka - but his distribution isn’t good enough for an elite Test midfielder, and his defensive issues persist.

Interestingly, the Wallabies picked an out-and-out midfielder on the bench for the first time this year, so Kiss might have always had a plan to have a look at Suaalii on the edge.

Paisami was a massive part of how the Reds played under Kiss, and his strong game against Japan means that a Paisami-Len Ikitau combination is likely once Ikitau returns from injury.

Amatosero red card was a fair call

There was a scramble to find mitigating factors after Miles Amatosero put a shoulder to the head of Japan captain Warner Dearns in the first half, but it always looked like red-card material.

All Blacks flanker Luke Jacobson was lucky to avoid a red card in similar circumstances for a clean-out against Ireland last month,........

© Brisbane Times