Joe Schmidt names Wallabies squad for All Blacks series - Rugby Championship

Friday, 19 September 2025 at 16:36

byTom Sansom

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed his 34-man squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup clashes against New Zealand, part of the 2025 Flight Centre Rugby Championship.

Scrum-half Jake Gordon returns after training with the group last week and is the only fresh face from the squad that faced Argentina in Townsville and Sydney. Meanwhile, Nick Frost (tight back) and Len Ikitau (knee laceration) both remain in the mix after missing the second Test against Los Pumas.

The series could see two significant milestones for Schmidt’s squad. James Slipper, Australia’s all-time Test appearance record holder, is set to become the first Wallaby to play 150 Tests, joining Wales legend Alun-Wyn Jones and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock in an exclusive global club. In addition, scrum-half Tate McDermott is in line for his 50th cap in Auckland, having debuted back in 2020.

There is also fresh excitement around uncapped Ryan Lonergan, the sole debutant in the extended group, as Australia continue to evolve their half-back depth.

Reflecting on his selections, Schmidt said: “After an intense period, from the British and Irish Lions Series, playing in South Africa and then here in Australia against Los Pumas, it’s been ideal for players to take a breath before heading to Auckland for the fifth match in the Rugby Championship.

“We know that the Championship has been incredibly competitive and that we will need to be better than we were last time out to have any chance against a fired-up All Blacks side.”

The Wallabies, who have endured a mixed campaign so far, will be desperate to produce a performance in Auckland as they chase their first win over New Zealand since 2020.

Wallabies squad for Bledisloe Cup Series vs New Zealand

Forwards (19)

Allan Alaalatoa (83), Angus Bell (43), Josh Canham (1), Nick Champion De Crespigny (2), Nick Frost (32), Tom Hooper (17), Fraser McReight (33), Josh Nasser (7), Zane Nonggorr (16), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (24), Billy Pollard (14), Tom Robertson (35), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (42), James Slipper (149), Carlo Tizzano (10), Taniela Tupou (63), Rob Valetini (56), Jeremy Williams (18), Harry Wilson (29)

Backs (15)
Filipo Daugunu (13), Tane Edmed (3), Jake Gordon (31), Len Ikitau (46), Max Jorgensen (15), Andrew Kellaway (45), Ryan Lonergan (uncapped), Tom Lynagh (7), Tate McDermott (49), James O’Connor (68), Hunter Paisami (32), Harry Potter (5), Hamish Stewart (2), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (12), Corey Toole (3)

Unavailable due to injury: Charlie Cale, Langi Gleeson, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Wright