Why Les Kiss turned to Wallabies bolter for Bledisloe Cup series

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has explained the selection of Toby Macpherson in the 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup Series, with the former Australia U20 captain filling the vacancy left by Exeter Chiefs forward Tom Hooper.

Macpherson debuted for the ACT Brumbies at Super Rugby Pacific level in mid-February, in what was the first in a string of appearances off the bench. But the 22-year-old would also earn starts in both the second row and loose forwards.

It was a breakout campaign for the utility forward, who marked his first start with a double away to the Fijian Drua in round five. Macpherson featured in 13 matches last season and later captained the Brumbies during the second edition of Super Rugby AUS.

The Wallabies bolter is one of two uncapped players selected by Kiss, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips the other. Both are products of the Brisbane Boys’ College First XV and the Australia U20 pathway, leading to this opportunity with the national team.

“Everyone in this country is on our radar. The Super AUS series has been important for us, we can keep an eye on some guys and they get footy and that’s important,” Kiss told reporters when asked about Macpherson.

“Toby’s been playing well. We’ve got some good options in that space and I think Toby’s big advantage is he plays lock as well as six.

“With Tom Hooper moving out, it just seemed like a logical way to put someone like Toby in and give him that experience in a Wallaby camp.”

Kiss has named 19 forwards in the latest Wallabies squad, with Taniela Tupou and Hooper not available due to their club commitments in the Northern Hemisphere. Charlie Cale has also been ruled out for the remainder of 2026, as was reported on September 22.

In the loose forwards, Harry Wilson will again captain the side, joined in the backrow by Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini against the Boks. Nick Champion de Crespigny is another candidate, with the Western Force forward in the mix.

Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lachlan Shaw have been selected as the second-row options. Josh Canham has also been named despite missing the Springboks Test due to injury, although Nick Frost has been included as injury cover.

“It’s awesome that [Macpherson] got named. I thought he had a great Super season and has been playing really well in Super AUS,” Williams said.

“I don’t know him personally very well at all but very excited for him and him getting the opportunity to come into the squad and add value.”