Australia have named a 34-man squad for the Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Perth on 27 September, with Jordan Petaia earning his first recall since the 2023 World Cup and uncapped flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips handed his first official squad inclusion.
Petaia, 26, has been playing in France and Japan since leaving the Reds after the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. The utility back has 31 Test caps and made his debut at 19 at the 2019 World Cup, scoring against Uruguay. Coach Les Kiss flagged the selection as an assessment exercise with the 2027 World Cup — to be hosted by Australia — now 12 months away.
"He's been out of the system for a couple of years now. He has played in two World Cups. We just wanted to touch base with him, have him come and work out with us, see how he's going," Kiss said.
McLaughlin-Phillips, 22, steps in at flyhalf to replace Carter Gordon, who fractured a fibula in Mendoza during the Wallabies' unbeaten tour of Argentina. The Western Force playmaker was part of Australia's 2023 and 2024 U20 World Championship squads and has more than 35 Super Rugby caps for the Reds.
Flank Zane Nonggorr returns after recovering from a minor calf strain, replacing Massimo De Lutiis, who is being managed following three consecutive Tests on debut. Outside back Filipo Daugunu is also absent with a minor knee complaint.
Kiss acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. "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."
Wallabies 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 (captain). 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.