Jordan Petaia returns to the Wallabies squad while uncapped flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips earns a shock call-up.
The Wallabies (202.05) have named their squad for this month’s Test against South Africa in Perth. Jordan Petaia returns for the first time since 2023, while Harry McLaughlin-Phillips earns his first call-up.
Petaia’s Long Road Back
Petaia last featured for Australia during the disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign in France. He subsequently pursued an unsuccessful stint in American football with the Los Angeles Chargers (1.38). A hamstring injury during preseason training ultimately ended that NFL pursuit last year.
Petaia then returned to rugby, joining French club Perpignan (7.40) for the 2025-26 season. Coach Les Kiss explained the timing behind recalling the versatile back into his squad. “It was just the ideal opportunity to look at Jordan,” Kiss said this week.
McLaughlin-Phillips Earns His Chance
Western Force flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips replaces the injured Carter Gordon in the squad. Gordon fractured his leg during Australia’s recent draw with Argentina in Mendoza. McLaughlin-Phillips impressed for his province before earning this surprise international recognition.
Kiss praised the twenty-two-year-old’s recent form and tactical understanding of his preferred coaching style. “He’s the most battle-hardened 10 of all the options,” Kiss said, explaining his selection.
Squad Continuity Elsewhere
Nine Brumbies (4.70) players remain part of the wider thirty-four-man squad named this week. Prop Zane Nonggorr also returns after recovering from a minor calf injury sustained in Japan. Filipo Daugunu and Massimo De Lutiis were both left out for load management reasons.
The squad otherwise remains largely unchanged from the group that beat Argentina earlier this month. Kiss confirmed the squad would assemble in Perth ahead of their Test preparation this week.
A Daunting Challenge Awaits
Australia faces South Africa in Perth on 27 September before two further Tests against New Zealand. Kiss acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his developing squad against the world champions.
“South Africa have been the benchmark team in World Rugby for a long time,” he said.
He also reflected on the intensity of South Africa’s recent series victory over New Zealand: “We’re certainly stepping up another level when we come up against the Springboks,” Kiss added.
The Wallabies enter the contest full of confidence after an undefeated tour of Argentina (252.31).
