Uncapped flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips earned a Wallabies call-up Monday for this month’s home test against South Africa while Jordan Petaia returns.
Outside back Petaia is included in the Australia squad for the first time since 2023, following an unsuccessful stint trying to break into the NFL.
Coach Les Kiss picked Western Force’s 22-year-old playmaker McLaughlin-Phillips to replace Carter Gordon, who fractured his leg against Argentina earlier this month.
Australia will play world champions South Africa on 27 September in Perth, followed by two tests against New Zealand.
It is crucial build-up as Australia host the Rugby World Cup in October-November next year.
“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,” said Kiss.
“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 Wallabies last month beat Argentina 27-21 before a thrilling 28-28 draw in the away test series.
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