Wallabies coach Les Kiss is adamant that Mark Nawaqanitawase’s desire is to play for Australia at next year’s Rugby World Cup despite the code-crossing star reportedly considering representing Fiji or Italy at the tournament.
Code Sports reported this week that Nawaqanitawase, who has returned to the 15-a-side code after finishing a premiership-winning rugby league stint with the Sydney Roosters, hadn’t ruled out playing for Fiji or Italy, which he can through his parents’ heritage.
However, Kiss seemed confident Nawaqanitawase – who is joining Japanese rugby club Panasonic Wild Knights on a two-year deal – would choose Australia, having played for the Wallabies 11 times before his move to the NRL.
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“I think there’s no doubt that he wants to be back in the game for us, that’s for sure,” Kiss said on Thursday.
“We know where he wants to play. We support him in what he does, that’s for sure.
“He knows he’s part of rugby again now. We’re happy to continue the conversations and keep him on board.”
Kiss’ immediate concern is Australia’s Test against the All Blacks on Saturday at Accor Stadium, where the Wallabies hope to bounce back from last Saturday’s 50-19 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand at Eden Park.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been shifted back to the centres for the return bout, while halfback Tate McDermott has lost his spot in Australia’s 23-man squad.
Suaalii has started on the wing in the Wallabies’ past two games, but with Len Ikitau ruled out due to concussion, the former rugby league star will revert to his usual No.13 jersey and form a centres combination with Isaac Henry at Sy.
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Suaalii’s switch has also led to winger Harry Potter being recalled to the starting 15.
The other change in the starting backline is at flyhalf, where Declan Meredith will replace the injured Ben Donaldson (leg).
“I’ve got a lot of trust of what he’s got in his game,” Kiss said of Brumbies playmaker Meredith.
“He takes the line on, has a good kicking game, is a very solid defender … really looking forward to what he’ll bring.”
McDermott, the Wallabies’ usual halfback option off the bench, has lost in place in the 23 to his Queensland Reds teammate Kalani Thomas.
Kiss has also made two changes to his starting forward pack, with prop Aidan Ross and hooker Josh Nasser replacing Angus Bell and Brandon Paenga-Amosa respectively.
While Ross has been named on the bench, Paenga-Amosa has been dropped from the 23 entirely.
The 23 also includes back-up flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who could make his Wallabies debut.
“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better,” Kiss said on reflecting on his first loss as Wallabies coach.
“We definitely want to make sure our kicking game’s more accurate. We probably offered them a bit too much easy ball to play and gave them a lot of time and space.
“When you give them too much of that, it takes its toll.”
“We’ve said all along we’ll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week.
“Playing our final Test on home soil for 2026 is a huge motivator and we’re determined to put out a performance all Australians can be proud of.”
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will make his 50th Test appearance of Saturday, having debuted in 2017.
Wallabies: Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter, Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu.
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