The Wallabies have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their one-off Test against South Africa in Perth, with first-choice flyhalf Carter Gordon set to miss two months after breaking his leg in the closing stages of Sunday's 28-28 draw with Argentina in Mendoza.
Gordon fell to the ground in agony after attacking the line late in the match, and post-game scans revealed a leg fracture that will keep the 25-year-old sidelined until early November. The injury rules him out of the 26 September clash with the world champions as well as next month's two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand. There is hope he could return in time for the England Test at Twickenham on 8 November.
The setback is the latest in a string of misfortunes for Gordon, who suffered a serious back injury that derailed an NRL stint and has battled various leg niggles since returning to rugby barely a year ago. Ben Donaldson started at flyhalf against Argentina for the first time in two years but failed to put his stamp on the contest, and will now face stiff competition to retain the jersey. Reds flyhalf Tom Lynagh is set to return from a long injury absence in Super Rugby Australia on Saturday, while Declan Meredith and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips could also mount cases for selection. Test veterans James O'Connor and Bernard Foley will make Super Rugby Pacific returns next year and both harbour World Cup aspirations, though neither will feature in the pre-season competition.
Australia's forwards have impressed during a five-game unbeaten streak, but Gordon's absence leaves a significant void in the playmaking department as the Wallabies prepare to face the Springboks.