Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has strung together a team to face the Springboks this weekend, following two heavy defeats at the hands of the All Blacks.
Dean Mumm is one of two changes, starting in the 6 jersey and partnering Hooper and Pocock in the loose trio. Reece Hodge is given his first start on the wing, following a positive impact off the bench two weeks ago.
There is another potential debutant on the extended bench in Lopeti Timani, who will earn his first cap should he make the 8 man bench and get onto the field of play.
Drew Mitchell, should he make the finalised bench, will also mark his return to the team after injury, last representing Australia at the World Cup.
The key partnership is that of Will Genia and Quade Cooper, should this combo fire the Springboks will struggle to contain them.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Bernard Foley, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Scott Sio
Substitutes (from): 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Sean McMahon, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Tevita Kuridrani, 24 Drew Mitchell
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This team doesn’t exactly strike fear into the heart, but based on the Boks’ performances this year we may be in for a long game.
Definitely not the greatest side. Folau should move to 13 with Haylett-Petty at 15. That loose trio looks very off. They went for big and heavy in the tight 5
@SheldonK (Comment 2) : Dane at 15 would be better with Folau a bit closer to the action, then have Mitchell on the wing.
@StevieS (Comment 3) : I thought Folau has been good at 13 for the Tahs and pretty average at 15- he looks bored there. Aussies also arent in a good space currently
@StevieS (Comment 1) : this could be a boring game to watch!!!
These Sheep Shaggers ate rank average but will always have enough to beat the drivel that is Bok rugby
@benji (Comment 6) : not sure about them beating bokke but I’m very sure it’s going to be one hell of a boring game especially after watching the All Black.