Charlie Cale: Wallabies Suffer Major Blow Ahead of Springboks Clash in Perth This Weekend
- Charlie Cale dislocated his shoulder during a Wallabies training session in Perth ahead of Sunday's Test against South Africa
- The injury is Cale's second shoulder setback of 2026, adding to a difficult run that has included stress fractures and previous surgery
- Western Force's Nick Champion de Crespigny has been called into the squad as Cale's replacement to face the World champions
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The Wallabies have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their one-off Test against world champions South Africa, with loose forward Charlie Cale ruled out after dislocating his shoulder during a training session in Perth.
Cale is set to undergo surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Western Force star Nick Champion de Crespigny has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Cale's troubling injury history
The setback is the latest chapter in a difficult physical journey for the 194cm forward. Earlier in 2026, he missed close to two months of rugby after injuring the same shoulder during the Brumbies' Super Rugby win over the Highlanders.
Cale also spent much of the 2024 season playing through shoulder pain, later describing the experience as like managing a "ticking time bomb" before eventually going under the knife. Stress fractures in his back further disrupted his 2025 campaign.
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Despite being limited to just six Test appearances since his international debut in 2024, Cale had established himself as a key figure in coach Les Kiss's plans, starting four Tests this year. His absence is a considerable loss for a Wallabies side targeting a strong showing at the 2027 home World Cup.
Wallabies face confident Springboks
South Africa arrive in Perth on the back of a commanding 3-1 series victory over New Zealand, and coach Rassie Erasmus has made clear his team have no intention of approaching the fixture casually.
The Springboks have rested experienced campaigners Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende for the match at Optus Stadium on Sunday, but the two-time defending World Cup champions remain heavy favourites.
The Wallabies, currently ranked seventh in the world, have recorded three wins and a draw under Kiss but face the top-ranked Springboks as substantial underdogs.
Petaia returns, debut looms for McLaughlin-Phillips
There is also positive news for Australia, with Jordan Petaia named in the 34-man Wallabies squad. It marks the winger's first call-up since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, after his attempt to pursue an NFL career was cut short by a hamstring injury.
Petaia regained fitness during a stint in France and is now pushing for a starting berth ahead of next year's tournament.
Western Force flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is another new face in the squad, called up after Carter Gordon suffered a fractured fibula. McLaughlin-Phillips could earn his first Test cap on Sunday.
Springboks release two stars before Wallabies Test
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that two players left the touring squad ahead of the Wallabies clash on 27 September
Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende were released to spend time with their families after a demanding schedule.
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Source: Briefly News
