Jordan Petaia recalled to Wallabies squad to face world champions South Africa

Former Queensland Reds star Jordan Petaia has been selected in the Wallabies squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Having returned to rugby union last year with French club Perpignan after a brief stint in American football with the Los Angeles Chargers, versatile back Petaia – who recently signed with Japanese outfit Urayasu D-Rocks – has been named in Australia’s 34-man contingent for the September 27 clash against world champions South Africa in Perth.

He has replaced Reds winger Filipo Daugunu – who has a minor knee injury – in the extended Wallabies squad that was recently in Argentina for two Tests against Los Pumas.

Also called into the squad are uncapped Western Force flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Reds prop Zane Nonggorr.

They replaced injured playmaker Carter Gordon (broken leg) and front-rower Massimo De Lutiis, who is being “managed”.

Wallabies coach Les Kiss said his team had “learned a bit more about ourselves as a group” in the Tests he had overseen since taking over from Joe Schmidt in July.

“We know we still have a lot to work on to get to where we want to be,” Kiss said.

“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.”

Wallabies: Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs: Jock Campbell, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.

Originally published as Jordan Petaia recalled to Wallabies squad to face world champions South Africa