Australia confirm ACL injury for fullback Wright

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FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Australia - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 16, 2025 Australias Tom Wright during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/ File Photo

CAPE TOWN - Australia have confirmed that fullback Tom Wright suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury in the 30-22 Rugby Championship defeat to South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday as they count the cost of an attritional two-game tour.

Wright went off inside the opening 10 minutes in a test in which Australia also lost scrumhalf Nic White and centre Joseph Suaalii to concussions.

The defeat followed a stunning comeback for a 38-22 victory in Johannesburg the previous week, though that also took its toll with injuries to captain Harry Wilson (knee),Dylan Pietsch (broken jaw) and James Slipper (concussion).

Australia are down to the bare bones at flyhalf, with Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson all sidelined, leaving James OConnor to win his first test cap in three years in South Africa.

Scans have confirmed Wrights injury and he will see a specialist on his return home this week. Recovery from ACL injuries can range from three to 12 months.

Australia host Argentina in two home matches in the Rugby Championship next month and have home and away clashes against New Zealand to finish the campaign.

Our strength in depth is going to be tested, coach Joe Schmidt said after the loss in Cape Town.