McLaughlin-Phillips named for Springboks Test

Uncapped fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has earned his first official Wallabies squad selection, while Jordan Petaia returns to the international set-up for Australia’s Test against South Africa in Perth on September 27.

McLaughlin-Phillips replaces injured Carter Gordon

The 22-year-old comes into Les Kiss’ 34-man squad after Carter Gordon fractured his fibula during Australia’s 28-28 draw with Argentina in Mendoza.

McLaughlin-Phillips previously spent time with the Wallabies and was called in as injury cover ahead of the July Test against Italy, but this is his first official squad selection.

The Western Force fly-half played under Kiss at Queensland Reds and impressed in Saturday’s Super Rugby AUS opener, helping the Force claim a 29-28 comeback victory over his former club.

Kiss selected McLaughlin-Phillips ahead of other available options, including experienced fly-halves James O’Connor and Bernard Foley.

Jordan Petaia returns to Wallabies squad

Petaia has been selected in his first Wallabies squad since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 26-year-old has 31 Test caps and spent time pursuing an NFL opportunity before returning to rugby with Perpignan and later joining Japan’s Urayasu D-Rocks.

Zane Nonggorr also returns after recovering from a calf injury and replaces Massimo De Lutiis, who is being managed after playing three consecutive Tests.

Jock Campbell remains in the squad after being called into the Argentina touring party as an injury replacement for Dylan Pietsch.

Wallabies prepare for Springboks challenge

Australia are unbeaten through Kiss’ first four Tests in charge and head into the Perth encounter following a series victory in Argentina.

Australia squad:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, ?Josh Canham, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, ?Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs: Jock Campbell, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright