Confirmation that Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon has suffered a fractured leg and will miss the upcoming Test against the Springboks, as well as two matches against the All Blacks, has once again highlighted Australia’s long-running uncertainty at fly-half.

Gordon, who had established himself as new head coach Les Kiss’s preferred option in the key position, faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining the injury late in Saturday’s 28-28 draw with Argentina.

The 25-year-old has endured a series of injury setbacks throughout his career, and his latest setback leaves Kiss facing an important decision over whether Gordon can be relied upon to remain fit throughout next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.

After experimenting with his options during his opening four Tests in charge against Japan and Argentina, Kiss would have been hoping to settle on his preferred combinations ahead of a tougher run of fixtures.

Those plans have now been disrupted by Gordon’s injury, leaving the Wallabies with another difficult decision over a position that has been filled by 13 different players over the past 10 seasons.

Donaldson the likely replacement

Gordon did not start last weekend’s Test in Mendoza after suffering a significant facial cut during the previous week’s meeting with Argentina.

That could make Ben Donaldson the obvious candidate to start against South Africa in Perth on September 27.

However, Donaldson has started only six of his 25 Tests at fly-half and has yet to fully establish himself as the long-term solution to Australia’s playmaking problems.

A dependable performer in Super Rugby, Donaldson also has the versatility to cover fullback. His ball skills are regarded as a strength, although questions remain over his decision-making at international level.

Former Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt selected Donaldson as a replacement option for Tom Lynagh during last year’s three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions. However, he was not included in a matchday squad for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Schmidt instead recalled veteran James O’Connor as his starting fly-half after the 36-year-old had spent three years away from the international setup.

He also preferred Tane Edmed as his backup, although Edmed’s prospects have faded after struggling for regular game time with the ACT Brumbies this season.

O’Connor remains a possible option for the upcoming Springboks clash after joining the Western Force in Perth. He also has recent experience against South Africa, having played a key role in Australia’s remarkable comeback victory at Ellis Park.

Lynagh and Meredith remain options

Tom Lynagh is another player whose international prospects have been affected by injuries.

The young fly-half was thrown into the spotlight during the British & Irish Lions series but managed only 20 minutes of action during the latest Super Rugby season.

Schmidt began the current campaign with Gordon as his first-choice fly-half, but a calf injury forced him to turn to 27-year-old rookie Declan Meredith.

Meredith had previously kept Edmed out of the Brumbies side, but his three Test starts failed to convince that Australia’s long-running fly-half merry-go-round was finally coming to an end.

The decision over whether to trust youth or experience has therefore been passed from Schmidt to Kiss, with Gordon’s latest injury adding another layer of uncertainty.

Foley provides experience

Veteran Bernard Foley is also back in Australia and provides another experienced option for Kiss.

The 37-year-old has been the most enduring of Australia’s 13 different fly-halves over the past decade and could offer valuable experience as the Wallabies look to find stability in the position.

With Gordon now sidelined, Kiss faces another major selection dilemma as Australia prepares for its crucial Tests against the Springboks and All Blacks.