Western Force fly-half Ben Donaldson is firming for a starting berth when the Wallabies host reigning back-to-back world champions South Africa at Optus Stadium next Sunday.
But Donaldson will have a new club teammate for company in the halves room, as fresh Force recruit Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has received a maiden Test call-up following an impressive Super Rugby AUS debut on Saturday.
McLaughlin-Phillips is the only uncapped player in the Wallabies’ 34-man squad to take on a globetrotting South Africa side fresh off a 3-1 Greatest Rivalry series win over the All Blacks.
Centre Jordan Petaia is also set to return for his first Wallabies squad since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while Donaldson and McLaughlin-Phillips are joined by fellow Force stars Carlo Tizzano, Jeremy Williams and Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
With Wallabies coach Les Kiss’ favoured fly-half Carter Gordon set for a stint on the sideline after suffering a leg fracture in the Wallabies’ draw with Argentina in Mendoza, Donaldson looms as the favourite to start at stand-off against South Africa.
While Brumbies pivot Declan Meredith has started three Tests this year, Force star Donaldson started in the draw against Argentina and has experience on his side ahead of the meeting with the Springboks.
In lieu of Gordon, Kiss has turned to McLaughlin-Phillips after the former Reds half-back impressed in his first Force start over the weekend, scoring a try and kicking the match-winning conversion after the siren as his side claimed a 29-28 win.
Force winger Dylan Pietsch has not been named as he recovers from a new foot injury which ended his series against Argentina.
The Wallabies will face an uphill battle against a South Africa side who won three of their four games in the inaugural Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.
The Springboks, who are targeting a third-straight World Cup crown when the tournament heads to Australia next year, won two of their three games against the All Blacks in South Africa, before heading to North America to win a fourth game between the pair in Baltimore on Saturday.
Wallabies squad for Test against South Africa in Perth
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) Angus Bell (Waratahs) Charlie Cale (Brumbies) Josh Canham (Queensland Reds) Tom Hooper (Exeter Chiefs) Isaac Kailea (Waratahs) Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds) Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds) Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds) Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force) Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies) Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds) Lachlan Shaw (ACT Brumbies) Carlo Tizzano (Western Force) Taniela Tupou (Racing 92 (France)) Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies) Jeremy Williams (Western Force) Harry Wilson (c) (Queensland Reds)
Backs: Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds) Ben Donaldson (Western Force) Isaac Henry (Queensland Reds) Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies) Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs) Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies) Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds) Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Western Force) Declan Meredith (ACT Brumbies) Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds) Jordan Petaia (Urayasu D-Rocks (Japan)) Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs) Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs) Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds) Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
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