Uncapped Toby Macpherson earns first Wallabies call-up for Bledisloe Cup series against All Blacks

Toby Macpherson has been included in the Wallabies squad for the first time, named as one of two uncapped players in coach Les Kiss’s 34-man group for the Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand, with the opening Test at Eden Park scheduled for 10 October.

The 22-year-old ACT Brumbies lock-backrow utility earned his call-up on the back of a breakout Super Rugby Pacific campaign and captained the Brumbies during the three-round Super Rugby AUS regular season. Macpherson was a former Australia Under-20 captain and enters the squad as a direct replacement for Tom Hooper, who has returned to Exeter Chiefs.

Playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is the other uncapped inclusion. The Western Force back was named in the squad for the recent Springboks Test but did not feature in the matchday 23, and is set to play in the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final this weekend before linking up with the national group.

Taniela Tupou is unavailable due to club commitments with French side Racing 92, while Massimo de Lutiis and Nick Frost are among the notable returnees. Kiss has selected 19 forwards and 15 backs, with Harry Wilson retained as captain. The squad will assemble in Auckland ahead of the Eden Park fixture.

“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.”