Wallabies injury update: Ikitau and Petaia ruled out as Brumbies pair called up

Australia’s latest Wallabies injury update has ruled Len Ikitau and Jordan Petaia out of Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test, with Corey Toole and Kadin Pritchard joining the squad.

Ikitau suffered concussion during the 50–19 defeat by New Zealand at Eden Park, while Petaia is unavailable with an ankle injury.

Rugby Australia confirmed the changes ahead of the return fixture in Sydney on Saturday 17 October. Ikitau failed his head injury assessment after leaving the opening Test in the first half.

Wallabies injury update leaves midfield decision for Kiss

Head coach Les Kiss must find a new centre partner for Isaac Henry, with Hunter Paisami also suspended.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moved into midfield following Ikitau’s departure in Auckland. Filipo Daugunu offers another option, while the uncapped Pritchard could come into contention for a debut.

Pritchard, 22, started 12 matches at outside centre for the Brumbies this year. Toole has six Test caps and is seeking his first international appearance of 2026.

According to Australian Associated Press, Petaia’s ankle injury occurred in training. The two Brumbies players are joining the squad in Sydney on Sunday.

Australia seek response after second-half collapse

The Wallabies trailed only 17–14 at half-time in Auckland before New Zealand scored five second-half tries.

The result ensured the All Blacks retained the trophy for a 24th consecutive year. As our Bledisloe Cup explainer outlines, a drawn series is enough for the holders to keep it.

Australia can still level the two-Test series, with Dave Rennie expecting a response from his former side in Sydney.