Uncapped bolter Toby Macpherson earns Wallabies call-up for Bledisloe Cup

Former Australia U20 captain Toby Macpherson has been named in a Wallabies squad for the first time, selected as one of two uncapped players in the 34-man group for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against the All Blacks.

Macpherson is coming off a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the ACT Brumbies, and the lock-backrow utility stepped up as the team’s captain during the three-round Super Rugby AUS regular season.

The 22-year-old has been called into the Wallabies squad as a replacement for Tom Hooper, who has returned to the Exeter Chiefs. Taniela Tupou is also unavailable for selection due to club commitments with French side Racing 92.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is another uncapped prospect, with the playmaker set to suit up for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final this weekend. ‘HMP’ was named in the squad for the Springboks Test, but wasn’t picked in the matchday 23.

Massimo de Lutiis and Nick Frost are among the other big-name returnees, with coach Les Kiss going with 19 forwards and 15 backs. The Wallabies will assemble in Auckland this weekend, before facing the All Blacks at Eden Park on October 10.

“It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand,” Kiss said.

“They’re a motivated playing group who take pride in representing the gold jersey and each other, but we know Auckland is a huge challenge that will demand we be at our best.”

Wallabies squad for Bledisloe Cup Series

Forwards (19)

Allan Alaalatoa (#896, 94)
Angus Bell (#940, 58)
Josh Canham (#987, 8)
Nick Champion de Crespigny (#99, 5)
Massimo De Lutiis (#1000, 3)
Isaac Kailea (#975, 9)
Toby Macpherson (uncapped, 0)
Fraser McReight (#937, 47)
Josh Nasser (#979, 16)
Zane Nonggorr (#966, 20)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (#918, 31)
Billy Pollard (#958, 25)
Aidan Ross (#994, 7)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (#914, 48)
Lachlan Shaw (#996, 5)
Carlo Tizzano (#982, 17)
Rob Valetini (#929, 69)
Jeremy Williams (#973, 33)
Harry Wilson (c) (#933, 43)

Backs (15)

Filipo Daugunu (#931, 24)
Ben Donaldson (#962, 26)
Isaac Henry (#999, 4)
Len Ikitau (#944, 55)
Max Jorgensen (#984, 28)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, 13)
Tate McDermott (#936, 56)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (uncapped, 0)
Declan Meredith (#997, 3)
Hunter Paisami (#932, 39)
Jordan Petaia (#930, 31)
Harry Potter (#989, 16)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, 25)
Kalani Thomas (#995, 2)
Tom Wright (#939, 51)

Injury Cover

Nick Frost (#953, 38)