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Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper returns to the starting XV for Australia, while Israel Folau has shifted to fullback for Saturday night’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium.
In four changes to the starting XV which was defeated by New Zealand home and away, Sekope Kepu comes into tighthead prop for Ben Alexander, while Nick Cummins moves to the wing, with Jesse Mogg dropping to the bench.
Queensland Reds back rower Jake Schatz comes in for Reds’ team mate Liam Gill, and will make his debut should he emerge from the bench.
Saturday’s contest is the first time Cooper has worn the number 10 jersey for Australia since the Qantas Wallabies defeated South Africa and Argentina in back-to-back Tests in September last year.
Cooper also holds a surprisingly strong record against South African opposition having won seven of his nine total matches against the Springboks, including his past five.
“We have very specific thoughts about how we want to play this game and feel Quade is best suited to carrying that out,” said Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.
“He’s been part of our matchday squad in both games so far but his role now changes from being a finisher to starting the game. We feel that role will suit how we want to play.
“He is also an experienced and successful Test player, which is handy to have against a hardened Springboks outfit.
“It has been almost 12 months since he last started a Test match and I’m sure there were times where he wondered if he would wear the number 10 jersey again. He’s worked really hard both on and off the field to now get that chance.
“He’s carried himself extremely well all year and during the last fortnight in the role we’ve asked him to complete. Now, he gets a chance to make an impact from the start of the game.
“That also means we’re asking Matt to fulfil a new role this week. He has had a great season so far and his form was reflected in our decision to choose him for the opening two Test matches.
“He’s still in our Test squad and will have a part to play in our success this week and moving forward.”
McKenzie said he expected all of the changes to positively influence the game.
“Israel has played more fullback than on the wing so he will undoubtedly feel comfortable playing the position. He has looked impressive at training and we think he will add value with how we want to approach the game,” he said.
“Once we made the decision to move Israel it opened the door for another player on the wing. The Springboks are an abrasive and physical team and we feel Nick’s style of play will suit that.
“Up front Keps has been on the fringes but he is a very good technician of the game, which is important as everyone continues to work out the new scrum laws. We’ve got a lot of good players in this space and for this week Keps deserves an opportunity to start.
“Jake has been a continuously improving player for as long as I have known him and that was reflected in his Pilecki Medal honour. Winning that award is the ultimate recognition of consistency over a period of time.
“He will bring a bunch of attributes to the game and can cover all three backrow positions, along with being a very good lineout jumper.”
The Springboks opened their Rugby Championship campaign with successive wins over Argentina.
The Wallabies side to play South Africa in the opening Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate and Rugby Championship match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 7 September is: (kickoff 8pm AEST)
1. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
2. Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies)
3. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
5. James Horwill (c – Queensland Reds)
6. Scott Fardy (ACT Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (ACT Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (vc – Queensland Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
11. James O’Connor (Melbourne Rebels)
12. Christian Leali’ifano (ACT Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
14. Nick Cummins (Western Force)
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
Bench:
16. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. Scott Sio (ACT Brumbies)
18. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
19. Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs)
20. Jake Schatz (Queensland Reds)
21. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
22. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
23. Jesse Mogg (ACT Brumbies)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.