Wallabies player Charlie Cale sidelined by shoulder injury

Wallabies back-rower Charlie Cale is expected to miss the remainder of the year following a training mishap in Perth. Cale will undergo surgery after dislocating his shoulder, marking another significant injury setback for the player, who previously dealt with shoulder issues in 2024 and back stress fractures in 2025.

Nick Champion de Crespigny of the Western Force has been called into the Wallabies squad as a replacement. The injury occurs ahead of a scheduled Test match against South Africa at Optus Stadium. While the Springboks have rested veterans Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende, coach Rassie Erasmus has indicated the team will not approach the tour casually.

Under coach Les Kiss, the world No. 7 Wallabies have recorded three wins and a draw, though they enter the match as underdogs against the world No. 1 South Africans.