Wallabies Squad Update
Wallabies Recall Jordan Petaia and Add Uncapped Flyhalf for South Africa Test
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Les Kiss chose Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ahead of experienced flyhalves James O’Connor and Bernard Foley, as well as Queensland flyhalf Tom Lynagh, to become the squad’s third No. 10 after Carter Gordon’s injury.
2
Petaia’s NFL move included a trial through the International Player Pathway and a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, but a hamstring injury during preseason led to his release in August last year.
3
South Africa entered the Perth Test after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their most recent series, with the final victory secured in Baltimore.
4
Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou remained in the Wallabies squad despite being contracted to European clubs, while Filipo Daugunu was managed because of a minor knee issue and Dylan Pietsch remained unavailable through injury.
5
McLaughlin-Phillips’ call-up followed an especially notable club debut: he kicked a last-gasp winner for Western Force against his former side, Queensland Reds, in the opening Super Rugby AUS match.
Australia coach Les Kiss has recalled versatile back Jordan Petaia to the 34-man Wallabies squad for the September 27 Test against world champion South Africa in Perth, marking his first national-team selection since the 2023 Rugby World Cup ABC Net.au. Petaia, 26, spent time in the NFL and France before moving to Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks, and now returns to Test rugby after a three-year absence Head Topics. Kiss also promoted uncapped flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips to the squad after Carter Gordon fractured his leg, choosing him ahead of experienced flyhalves James O'Connor and Bernard Foley Rugby365.
Petaia's Journey From NFL Dream to Wallabies Return
Petaia signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers through the International Player Pathway in 2024 Head Topics. However, a hamstring injury during preseason led to his release in August, ending his NFL bid after less than a year. The 26-year-old has since moved to Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks and earned his recall through strong performances abroad. Kiss sees the South Africa match as an opportunity to assess Petaia within a revamped coaching setup.
McLaughlin-Phillips Gets Shock Selection Over Established Flyhalves
Kiss bypassed experienced flyhalves James O'Connor, Bernard Foley, and Queensland's Tom Lynagh to promote uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips as the squad's third No. 10 Rugby365. McLaughlin-Phillips made an immediate impression in his Super Rugby AU debut, kicking a last-gasp winner for Western Force against his former side, Queensland Reds Rugby365. The selection signals Kiss's confidence in the young flyhalf's ability to compete at Test level and his preference for emerging talent over established names.
South Africa Enters Perth Unbeaten After New Zealand Sweep
The Springboks arrived as world champions after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their most recent series, with the final victory secured in Baltimore Rugby365. South Africa poses Australia's toughest challenge yet under Kiss's leadership, which has produced four consecutive Test wins. Kiss acknowledged the Springboks' strength and the significance of the Perth clash for assessing his squad's progress. Meanwhile, Zane Nonggorr and Jock Campbell remain in the Wallabies squad, with Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou staying despite European contracts.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
12
Articles
77
Reach
89
A
AnonymousAuthor
