Halfback Tate McDermott will undergo surgery on his injured hamstring in a massive blow for the Wallabies as they look to bounce back from Bledisloe Cup disappointment.
One of Australia's most consistent performers throughout 2025, McDermott was assisted from the field at Auckland's Eden Park midway through the first half on Saturday after getting caught awkwardly in a ruck.
Scans revealed the worst possible news with the 27-year-old requiring an operation that will end his year and, with a recovery time of around six months, will likely put a dent in the Queensland co-captain's participation in Super Rugby Pacific's opening rounds.
"Scans have confirmed Tate McDermott will require surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered in Auckland," the Wallabies said in a statement on social media.
"He is expected to spend an extended period of time on the sideline throughout his recovery."
Wallabies teammate Jeremy Williams said the squad was upset for McDermott, but had faith in the "next man up" in the No.9 jersey.
"Obviously devastated for Tatey, he's such a big part of our squad and you never want to see anyone get injured like that," lock Williams said from Perth.
"In saying that as well there's other guys who will step up and you know fill the hole that he's left and we'll see that come Saturday."
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt had already called veteran Nic White into the squad as a training partner ahead of Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth, as the Australians look to respond to a 33-24 defeat.
It's the second time White has come out retirement and answered Schmidt's call to play on, with the coach describing him as the "gift that keeps on giving".
Williams said he wasn't sure of Schmidt's selection plans, but the 35-year-old White had been training as hard as ever.
"We'll just have to wait and see how they go about it but you know Whitey, he's got that competitive nature in him," Williams said of his Western Force teammate.
"He was out there competing again today like he always does so it's awesome to have him back in the group and around the boys again."
McDermott has been coming off the bench for the Wallabies and key to second-half resurgences which had seen them secure victories over South Africa and Argentina.
A former sevens player, he showed his versatility during the British & Irish Lions series and against the Springboks where he came on as a winger due to injuries.
Finally in the run-on side in Auckland, which was his 50th Test, McDermott only lasted 18 minutes before he was replaced by Test debutant Ryan Lonergan.
Jake Gordon, who himself has battled hamstring issues, is expected to be fit for the Optus Stadium clash and will vie with Lonergan to start, with White able to slot in should either player go down.
Following the second Bledisloe, which doubles as the final round of the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies have a few weeks off.
Their next Test is against Eddie Jones's Japan on October 25 in Tokyo en route to their northern hemisphere spring tour with Tests scheduled against England, Italy, Ireland and France.
Schmidt could include a third halfback in that touring squad with NSW youngster Teddy Wilson the frontrunner as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
