Australia loosehead prop Angus Bell will make his return from injury against the Springboks in Perth on Saturday, in the second Test of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
Bell will combine with his 2019 Under-20s teammate Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete also makes his return to the gold jersey, replacing the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left wing, with Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright retaining their places in the back three for the clash at Optus Stadium.
Western Force scrumhalf Nic White earns his first start of the squad’s 2024 campaign, combining with flyhalf Noah Lolesio for the seventh time at international level.
Casuarina Beach junior Angus Blyth returns to the matchday 23, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the back row remains unchanged from last weekend with Rob Valetini, Perth product Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson the loose forward trio.
The midfield also remains unchanged with Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau named in the centres.
Replacement loosehead prop James Slipper will take a step closer to becoming the most capped Wallaby of all time in what will be his 138th Test, leaving him just one short of George Gregan's record of 139. His Brumbies teammate Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr are the substitute hooker and tighthead respectively.
Queensland’s Seru Uru is in line for a Test debut, named on the bench as forward cover alongside Bathurst’s own Tom Hooper.
Reds co-captain Tate McDermott (scrumhalf) and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson are also on the bench while Max Jorgensen is another set for a potential Wallabies debut on Saturday evening.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend. The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday."
Wallabies starting XV: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete; 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White; 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini; 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth; 3 Allan Alaalatoa (capt), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell. Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg; 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden; 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (capt); 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handré Pollard.
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