Rugby Championship: Wallabies name team to face Springboks at Ellis Park

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named one uncapped player in his team that will start against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Australians have suffered a spate of injuries ahead of this encounter, with six players sent back home – among them, experienced utility back Christian Lealiifano.

This has opened up an opportunity for some fresh faces, and one of them gets to make his debut against the two-time world champions at the Highveld.

Rebels loose forward Isi Naisarani will earn his first international cap at eighthman, and will pack up behind captain Michael Hooper, who starts at openside, and Waratahs lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will operate as blindside flanker on this occasion.

The experienced front row trio of James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a and Sekope Kepu remains intact, despite the injuries, while Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda pair up in the second row.

Tom Banks starts at fullback, with Dane Haylett-Petty and Reece Hodge occupying the wings, while Samu Kerevu and Tevita Kuridrani are the two men in the midfield, with Nick White and Bernard Foley the halfback pairing.

The Wallabies team has a bit of experience on the bench, with Kurtley Beale among the replacements, alongside the likes of Matt To’omua, Will Genia and Rob Simmons.

There was no place in neither the starting XV nor the bench for utility back James O’Connor, who was drafted into the squad after a six-year absence from Test rugby.

Saturday’s match also sees the Wallabies return to Ellis Park for the first time since a 53-8 drubbing in 2008.

Despite not recording a win in the Springboks’ fortress in over 50 years, Cheika is relishing the opportunity to return to the venue.

“We really want to begin building momentum to take us towards our goals in 2019,” he said.

“The players are impatient to play at Ellis Park where our Wallabies haven’t had an opportunity to play for quite a while.”

Michael Cheika

Australia last won on South African soil in 2011, and are looking to add another victory to their record against a largely inexperienced Springbok side.

“We know we go into the game as heavy underdogs but most of the players have had a touch over three great weeks of training to prepare,” Cheika added.

“So really they just can’t wait to get out and get into the battle.”

Michael Cheika

Wallabies team vs Springboks on Saturday 20 July

Backs: Tom Banks, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge, Bernard Foley, Nic White.

Forwards: Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (captain), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Sekope Kepu, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Will Genia, Matt To’omua, Kurtley Beale.