Wallabies Recalls Petaia, Adds Uncapped Flyhalf for Springboks Test

The Wallabies have made significant changes to their squad for the upcoming one-off Test against the Springboks in Perth, recalling utility back Jordan Petaia and introducing uncapped flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. These adjustments follow their recent two-Test series win over Los Pumas in Argentina, signaling Head Coach Les Kiss’s intent to refine the team ahead of a formidable challenge.

Petaia’s Return After NFL Stint

Jordan Petaia, a former Queensland Reds utility back, has been brought back into the Wallabies fold for the one-off Test against South Africa. Petaia’s last international appearance for Australia was during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

His return to Australian rugby follows a brief foray into American football, where he pursued a dream in the NFL and had a trial with the Los Angeles Chargers. That move did not materialize, leading Petaia to join Top 14 club Perpignan, where he played 12 matches during the 2024/25 season, before moving to Japan Rugby League One outfit Urayasu D-Rocks.

Petaia, 26, was highly regarded in Australian rugby prior to his code-switch, making his Wallabies debut as a teenager against Uruguay at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

New Faces and Injury Replacements

Among other squad changes, Les Kiss has called up uncapped playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who is set for a potential debut. He replaces Carter Gordon, who is sidelined with a leg fracture.

McLaughlin-Phillips, who started for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AUS opener and kicked the winning points against his former team, the Queensland Reds, has been a part of the Australia U20s in both the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championships. He also served as a back-up during the Wallabies’ recent Nations Championship Tests against Ireland, France, and Italy, gaining valuable experience within the world rugby coverage context.

Reds prop Zane Nonggorr also returns from a calf injury, taking the place of Massimo De Lutiis. Additionally, Jock Campbell, a full-back from the Reds, has been included after arriving late in Argentina as a replacement for the injured Dylan Pietsch. Fans can stay updated on further Wallabies squad developments.

Facing the World Champions

The Wallabies are preparing to face a formidable Springboks side fresh off a dominant performance against the All Blacks. South Africa secured a 3-1 series victory in their "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry" series, culminating in a 43-28 win in Baltimore, which pulled them further clear at the top of the world rankings.

Head coach Les Kiss acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “We’ve learned a bit more about ourselves as a group over the last four Tests, and we know we still have a lot to work on to get to where we want to be.” He added, “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.”

The Springboks, who are back-to-back world champions, are expected to present a significant test for the evolving Australian squad. The squad will assemble in Perth on Friday in anticipation of this crucial encounter. Updates on other Southern Hemisphere squads, including when Contepomi names Los Pumas squad for Springboks, Wallabies fixtures, are available elsewhere.