Australia have named an uncapped flyhalf in their squad for the Rugby Championship test against South Africa in Perth on 27 September, with Western Force's 22-year-old Harry McLaughlin-Phillips called up to replace Carter Gordon, who fractured his leg against Argentina earlier this month.
Coach Les Kiss also recalled outside back Jordan Petaia, absent from the Wallabies setup since 2023 following an unsuccessful attempt to crack the NFL.
The Perth test opens a three-match home window for Australia, followed by two tests against New Zealand — a sequence Kiss regards as critical preparation ahead of hosting the Rugby World Cup in October-November next year.
The Wallabies arrive off a mixed Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina, winning the first test 27-21 before drawing the away fixture 28-28.
"South Africa have been the benchmark team in world rugby for a long time and we're motivated by the challenge of meeting them in our own backyard in two weeks' time," said Kiss.
Wallabies squad: 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. 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.