Wallabies make 3 changes for Cape Town rematch with Boks

The Wallabies have made three changes to their starting side for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa in Cape Town.

Rob Valetini returns at number eight after sitting out the Ellis Park win, replacing captain Harry Wilson, who is being managed after limping off last weekend. Fraser McReight shifts into the leadership role, becoming the 91st player to captain Australia.

In the front row, Tom Robertson has been recalled at loosehead prop in place of James Slipper, who has returned home under HIA protocols. The Dubbo product will pack down alongside Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou.

The third change sees Wagga Wagga junior Corey Toole handed a debut on the left wing. The Olympian replaces Dylan Pietsch, who fractured his jaw in Johannesburg.

The rest of Joe Schmidt’s line-up remains unchanged, with Nic White and James O’Connor again combining in the halves and Nick Frost and Will Skelton paired in the second row. Len Ikitau starts at inside centre in his 45th Test, with Joseph Suaalii outside him after scoring his first Wallabies try last week.

Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen and debutant Toole form the back three.

Among the replacements, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell and Zane Nonggorr provide front row cover, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Champion de Crespigny rounding out the forward options. Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed and Andrew Kellaway are named as the backline reinforcements.

Schmidt said: “The squad as a whole has recovered pretty well from what was a very draining and physical Test match on the highveld last week. We struggled to contain a powerhouse Springbok start last weekend and we know that we have to improve leading into what’s likely to be a bruising encounter in Cape Town on Saturday night.”

Wallabies: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole, James O’Connor, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight (capt), Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson.

Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tane Edmed, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway