The Wallabies will be without inspirational No 8 and skipper Harry Wilson for Saturday’s Rugby Championship rematch against the Springboks in Cape Town, after he appeared to hurt himself while scoring his second try at Ellis Park.

Rugby Australia confirmed that he’s being managed after limping off. Wilson’s omission leaves a gaping hole in Australia’s pack just a week after he spearheaded the shock win over South Africa, and his absence has forced coach Joe Schmidt into a major reshuffle. Fellow Reds loose forward Fraser McReight takes over the captaincy, becoming the 91st Wallabies skipper.

“It’s a big loss, no doubt, but Fraser has led at age-group level and showed his composure when he stepped in last week,” Schmidt said.

Abrasive loose forward Rob Valetini returns at No 8 to replace Wilson, while speed-merchant Corey Toole will make his debut on the wing. The Brumbies flyer comes in for Dylan Pietsch, who fractured his jaw after a collision with Bok captain Siya Kolisi in Johannesburg.

KELLAWAY: Wallabies braced for brutal Bok backlash

The third change sees Tom Robertson start at loosehead prop, with veteran James Slipper ruled out under HIA protocols.

Your 23 Wallabies to take on South Africa 🦘https://t.co/JgxIFJ0Ved

NEXT MATCH
🆚 Springboks
🗓️ Sunday August 24 | 1:10am AEST
🏟️ DHL Stadium, Cape Town
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— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 21, 2025

McReight will lead a side otherwise unchanged in key areas, with Nic White and James O’Connor continuing as the halfback pairing, Joseph Suaalii retaining his place at outside centre after scoring his first Test try last week, and Tom Wright again lining up at fullback.

Schmidt admitted the Wallabies would have to steel themselves for another brutal Springbok onslaught.

“We struggled to contain a powerhouse Springbok start last weekend and we know that we have to improve leading into what’s likely to be a bruising encounter in Cape Town,” he said.

For Toole, the Test marks the latest step in his rapid rise after converting from sevens to Super Rugby in 2022.

“To wear the gold jersey at Cape Town against the world champions – it’s the stuff dreams are made of,” he said.

The Wallabies enter the clash level on points with New Zealand at the top of the Rugby Championship table, but their hopes of backing up last weekend’s historic win now hinge on whether they can absorb the loss of their talismanic captain.

AUSTRALIA – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Corey Toole*, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Tom Robertson
Bench: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway

*Denotes Test debut

Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images