Jorgensen set to make long-awaited Wallabies debut against Springboks

More than a year since he was named in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad, Max Jorgensen is in line to make his international debut at last.

Jorgensen has been named on the bench for Saturday’s clash against South Africa in Perth after overcoming a horror run of injuries including a broken leg suffered during Wallabies training last September which ruled him out of the World Cup and a hip injury for the Waratahs in March.

Five months ago, the 19-year-old back rejected interest from the Sydney Roosters to sign with Rugby Australia until the end of 2026, insisting his ‘heart was in rugby union’. Now, he looks to be rewarded with his first international cap.

Jorgensen is joined in the Wallabies squad by another Waratah on the comeback trail – prop Angus Bell, who has recovered from a toe injury suffered in April.

Bell has undergone surgery to reshape his foot in an attempt to deal with persistent trouble with his toes, and recently spoke about the issues he has had to overcome to return to rugby.

“If it was someone else that had done it, it’s only a six-week injury – but since it’s me, I have to reshape my foot again, which will help in the long run,” Bell told Rugby.com.au “Biomechanically, I’ve got high arches and a stiff foot so they want to relieve that pressure and lower the shape of my foot.

Max Jorgensen has been named on the Wallabies’ bench.Credit: Getty Images

“I saw a specialist in Queensland who did that along with Izack Rodda and a few other boys and most of the Achilles that have gone through the Wallabies. He’s very trusted and it all went well from all accounts.”

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has called up two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete to replace the injured Filipo Daugunu. Hooker Josh Nasser comes into the starting side at the expense of Matt Faessler, while Angus Blyth will start at lock in place of Nick Frost, who misses the Test with concussion.

Nic White is given the start in the No.9 jersey, taking over from Jake Gordon who is recovering from concussion, and Noah Lolesio retains his spot at five-eighth. Ben Donaldson replaces Tom Lynagh on the bench.

Queensland’s Seru Uru is in line to make his Test debut, having been named on the bench as forward cover alongside the Brumbies’ Tom Hooper.

After his side thumped the Wallabies 33-7 at Suncorp Stadium last week, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has elected to rest eight regular starters, including skipper Siya Kolisi, for Saturday’s clash at Optus Stadium.

Only five players from the run-on team in Brisbane – Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Elrigh Louw and Pieter-Steph du Toit – have retained their spots. Salmaan Moerat will lead the side in Kolisi’s absence.

While there is plenty of experience on the bench, eight of the Springboks run-on side have fewer than 10 Test caps, and halfback Morne van den Berg and lock Ruan Nortje will have their first starts.

With many of his 2019 and 2023 World Cup winners now the wrong side of 30, Erasmus knows he needs to regenerate his team before the 2027 tournament.

“If you look at this team, there are 14 World Cup winners and there’s only two guys that are new caps, so this is not disrespect to Australia and this is not us feeling nonchalant about the game,” Erasmus said.

Watch all the action from The Rugby Championship with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport. Round 2 kicks off Saturday, August 17 with All Blacks v Argentina (4pm AEST) and Wallabies v South Africa (7:00pm AEST).

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