Wallabies squad: Taniela Tupou and Tom Hooper released for All Blacks Tests as Les Kiss recalls snubbed forward
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou and an inset of head coach Les Kiss.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has named his squad for the two Bledisloe Cup Test matches against the All Blacks in October.
34 players have been called up with much of the group that featured against Argentina, Japan and South Africa remaining consistent.
However, Kiss has released two overseas-based players, Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou, who return to Exeter Chiefs and Racing 92 respectively.
Hooper has been replaced by uncapped utility forward Toby Macpherson who earns his first Wallabies squad call-up while Wallaby #1000 Massimo de Lutiis is recalled to fill Tupou’s void.
Wallabies squad
Centre Hunter Paisami has been included but his availability is subject to the outcome of a Disciplinary Committee Hearing tonight following his yellow card in the dying stages of Australia’s win over South Africa in Perth.
Should he be unavailable, Jock Campbell will be brought into the group, the Wallabies have confirmed.
There is also a recall for the versatile Filipo Daugunu who has fully recovered from a minor knee issue while Nick Frost, who has been snubbed all year, has been called in as injury cover for Josh Canham who is still managing a minor hamstring strain he picked up in Perth.
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“It’s pleasing to keep the core of our squad together for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Series against New Zealand,” head coach 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.”
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Wallabies squad for the Bledisloe Cup
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Isaac Kailea, Toby Macpherson, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright
Injury cover: Nick Frost
Unavailable for selection: Charlie Cale, Josh Flook, Langi Gleeson, Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon, Matt Philip, Henry Robertson, Pete Samu, Blake Schoupp, Will Skelton
Bledisloe I – New Zealand v Australia
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:10 (local NZDT), 07:10 (UK), 08:10 (France), 08:10 (South Africa), 17:10 (AEDT), 19:10 (New Zealand), 03:10 (Argentina), 15:10 (JST), 02:10 (EDT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (RFU) and Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
Broadcasters: Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sports (United Kingdom & Ireland), SuperSport (South Africa / Africa), Canal+ (France / Andorra / Monaco / Luxembourg), FloSports (USA), TSN (Canada), ESPN (Argentina / South America), Wowow (Japan), Sky Italia (Italy), Premier Sports (much of Asia), Digicel / Sky Pacific (Pacific Islands)
Bledisloe II – Australia v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 15:45 (local AEDT), 05:45 (UK), 06:45 (France), 06:45 (South Africa), 15:45 (AEDT), 17:45 (New Zealand), 01:45 (Argentina), 13:45 (JST), 00:45 (EDT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU) and Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Broadcasters: Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Sky Sports (United Kingdom & Ireland), SuperSport (South Africa / Africa), Canal+ (France / Andorra / Monaco / Luxembourg), FloSports (USA), TSN (Canada), ESPN (Argentina / South America), Wowow (Japan), Sky Italia (Italy), Premier Sports (much of Asia), Digicel / Sky Pacific (Pacific Islands)
