The Wallabies recall Jordan Petaia, 26, to a 34-man extended squad for a Perth Test against South Africa, marking his international return since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Petaia has pursued professional sports abroad, including a stint with the LA Chargers in the NFL, a season in France with Perpignan, and a long-term contract in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks, before rejoining rugby.

The squad features a mix of forwards and backs, with notable names such as Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, and Petaia.

Wilson highlights coach Eddie Langer’s experience and discusses how leadership ideas could shape the Wallabies’ culture and leadership group.

Captain Harry Wilson notes Canham’s absence as a significant blow given his role as the main lineout caller, while Williams could take lineout duties and Salakaia-Loto adds physicality to the pack.

Kiss says the Springboks pose a higher challenge than recent All Blacks tests and stresses the need to tighten key areas to compete.

Kiss confirms Australia will need to elevate performance to contend effectively against the Springboks in Perth in the upcoming fortnightly tests.

Wilson underscores South Africa’s abrasive forward pack and expresses confidence in Salakaia-Loto’s impact for the match.

Australia will face South Africa without Canham due to a minor hamstring strain, necessitating a late reshuffle for the scrum and lineout.

Les Kiss shifts McLaughlin-Phillips to half and brings Declan Meredith as additional halfback cover for rotation and depth.

No room for Brumbies veteran prop James Slipper in this squad, though Kiss says he remains in consideration for future selection based on form and conditioning.

McLaughlin-Phillips is the sole uncapped player in the squad, emerging from a standout Super Rugby AUS debut that included a try and a match-winning conversion.