Wallabies coach Les Kiss has made a significant selection call ahead of Australiaโs meeting with South Africa, choosing youth over veteran experience as preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2027 continue. Uncapped fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been included in Australiaโs 34-man squad for the Springboks Test in Perth.
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The 22-year-old Western Force playmaker has been called up after Carter Gordon suffered a fractured fibula during Australiaโs 28-28 draw with Argentina in Mendoza. Gordonโs injury has opened another opportunity at No.10, but Kiss has opted against immediately turning to experienced options James OโConnor or Bernard Foley.
Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith remain in the squad, giving Kiss additional options at fly-half. Donaldson has 25 Test caps, while Meredith has already made three international appearances during the 2026 campaign.
The decision allows McLaughlin-Phillips to work directly with the Wallabies before they face the back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions at Optus Stadium on September 27. The match represents another important step in Australiaโs preparations for the 2027 tournament on home soil.
Young Fly-Half Earns Wallabies Call as Les Kiss Eyes Rugby World Cup 2027
McLaughlin-Phillips has impressed Kiss with his recent performances and familiarity with the coachโs playing philosophy. The youngster spent four seasons with the Queensland Reds, including three seasons during Kissโ time with the club, before joining the Western Force in 2026.
His first official Wallabies squad selection comes after a strong start with the Force. Kiss described him as the most battle-hardened option among the available fly-halves and pointed to his performance in the Forceโs 29-28 comeback win over the Reds.
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McLaughlin-Phillips has also represented Australia at Under-20 level, featuring at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championships. He has made more than 35 appearances for the Queensland Reds and now has an opportunity to take the next step in his international career.
The timing of his selection is particularly important. With Gordon unavailable, Kiss needs to examine different combinations at fly-half while also giving younger players exposure to the demands of international rugby.
Rather than immediately selecting a veteran, the Wallabies coach has chosen to see how McLaughlin-Phillips responds inside the national setup. His inclusion could provide another option for Australia as the team continues building depth ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027.
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OโConnor and Foley Must Wait for Their Chance
James OโConnor and Bernard Foley remain part of the wider discussion around Australiaโs fly-half options, but neither has been selected for the Springboks Test. Kiss has not closed the door on either player, instead asking them to build match fitness through Super Rugby before being considered.
OโConnor, 36, has recently returned to the Western Force, while Foley, who turned 37 in September, is preparing for a return to Super Rugby Pacific next season. Both players have extensive international experience and have represented Australia at multiple World Cups. Kiss acknowledged the value that experience can bring to a World Cup squad.
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However, his current approach is to develop younger players while keeping experienced options available if they are required later. That strategy is particularly relevant with Rugby World Cup 2027 approaching. Australia will host the tournament next year, meaning Kiss has limited time to establish a reliable group of playmakers capable of handling different match situations.
McLaughlin-Phillips, Donaldson and Meredith will now have an opportunity to demonstrate what they can offer. At the same time, OโConnor and Foley can use their upcoming Super Rugby opportunities to put themselves back into the selection conversation. The competition for the No.10 position therefore remains open, with experience and youth providing different options for Kiss.
Jordan Petaia Makes Long-Awaited Wallabies Return
The fly-half decision was not the only major development in Kissโ latest squad. Jordan Petaia has returned to the Wallabies setup for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The 26-year-old has not played for Australia since the previous World Cup and has spent time playing in France and Japan while also exploring a move into American football.
He is now back in the national environment with an opportunity to show Kiss where he fits into the squad. Petaia has already played 31 Tests for Australia and has experience at three different positions in the backline. Kiss previously used him at fullback, wing and outside centre, giving the Wallabies coach considerable flexibility when considering his role.
The decision to bring him back is also part of Kissโ wider approach to examining Australia’s available talent. The coach said Petaiaโs return provides an opportunity for both player and coaching staff to reconnect and understand each other under the new structure.
Petaia could potentially feature in the back three, although Kiss has yet to confirm the starting team for the South Africa match. His return adds another experienced option to an Australian backline that is still being developed. For Petaia, the squad selection provides an opportunity to re-establish himself internationally before the Wallabies move deeper into their Rugby World Cup 2027 preparations.
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FAQs
1. Who is Harry McLaughlin-Phillips?
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is a 22-year-old fly-half who joined the Western Force in 2026 after spending four seasons with the Queensland Reds.
2. Why was Harry McLaughlin-Phillips selected for the Wallabies?
He was selected after Carter Gordon suffered a fractured fibula. Les Kiss also praised his recent form and familiarity with the coaching system.
3. Are James OโConnor and Bernard Foley still available for Australia?
Yes. Kiss has not ruled out either veteran, but he wants both players to gain Super Rugby match time before considering them for Wallabies selection.
4. When will Australia play South Africa?
The Wallabies are scheduled to face South Africa on September 27, 2026, at Optus Stadium in Perth.
5. Has Jordan Petaia returned to the Wallabies?
Yes. Petaia has been selected in the Wallabies squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He has 31 Test caps and can cover several backline positions.