McLaughlin-Phillips called up as Wallabies recall Petaia for South Africa Test

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been selected in Australia's squad for the September 27 Test against South Africa in Perth, with Jordan Petaia also recalled. Rugby.com.au reported that the uncapped Western Force flyhalf replaces Carter Gordon, who is unavailable with a leg injury. The group contains 34 players.

McLaughlin-Phillips arrives after landing the winning kick for the Force against his former club, the Queensland Reds, in their Super Rugby AUS opener. He represented Australia at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championships and previously provided cover during the Nations Championship. Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith are also in the squad, with 25 and three Test appearances respectively.

The Guardian reported that Les Kiss wants veterans James O'Connor and Bernard Foley to play Super Rugby before considering them for selection.

Petaia's inclusion gives the coaching staff another chance to assess a player whose last Wallabies appearance came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In a separate Rugby.com.au report, Kiss said the recall was an opportunity to see Petaia train and introduce him to the new coaching structure. He stressed that the squad had been selected, but the matchday team had not.

Kiss has worked with Petaia before, using him at fullback, on the wing and at outside centre during their time together at Queensland in 2024. Those positions remain under consideration, although the coach indicated that a back-three role was the likeliest option at this stage. Petaia's place in the wider group therefore does not yet establish where, or whether, he will play against South Africa.

Elsewhere, Reds prop Zane Nonggorr returns from a calf injury in place of Massimo de Lutiis. Jock Campbell is formally included after joining the Argentina tour late as cover for Dylan Pietsch, who remains unavailable. The squad will assemble in Perth on Friday. Kiss said the Springboks would demand a higher level of performance and that Australia were working to improve specific areas of their game.