Wallabies bring back former World Cup centre Jordan Petaia for Springboks test
Coach Les Kiss has added utility back Jordan Petaia to the Wallabies squad for the upcoming match against South Africa in Perth.
Les Kiss has recalled 26-year-old Jordan Petaia to the Wallabies ahead of the test against South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth, marking his first involvement since the 2023 World Cup loss to Wales. Petaia departed the Queensland Reds in 2024, pursued a brief NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers, spent a season with Perpignan in France, and signed a long-term contract with Japan’s Urayasu D-Rocks before returning to the national setup.
Kiss intends to assess Petaia’s fit, likely in a back-three role, during the training camp. The squad also sees Harry McLaughlin-Phillips added after Carter Gordon suffered a fractured fibula, while seasoned prop James Slipper is omitted but kept under observation. The Springboks arrive in Sydney after a 3-1 series win over New Zealand in Baltimore and will travel to Perth for the test.
Why it matters
The recall could reshape the Wallabies' backline ahead of a key clash with the world-ranked Springboks.
How this story developed
- Sep 4 Springboks and All Blacks clash in Johannesburg amid scrum controversy
- Sep 13 New Zealand political parties have unveiled unconventional symbolic proposals tied to the upcoming test.
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