Two of South Africa’s most talked about foes returned to the Wallabies side, who made several changes and brought in a host of experience for their return match against the Springboks in Perth on Saturday.
After the 33-7 mauling in Brisbane, coach Joe Schmidt was always going to make a number of changes and with the Boks selecting a number of rookies in their 10-changes for the test, Schmidt will believe the experience he has brought back may well make the difference in this test.
But the recall of winger Marike Koroibete and scrumhalf Nic White will not go unnoticed by Bok fans, who will recall the intense debate after the 2022 test in Adelaide, which the Wallabies won and the two massive incidents that contributed to their victory.
🦘 🇿🇦 Wallabies team to face the Springboks.
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 15, 2024
5️⃣ Changes to the starting XV.
🔙 Nic White, Angus Bell and Marika Koroibete. #RugbyChampionship #AUSvRSA pic.twitter.com/uMbUe7ST4P
Koroibete was not penalised for what was a no-arms tackle that stopped Bok winger Makazole Mapimpi from scoring in the corner, and was celebrated by his teammates as if he had won the Rugby Championship.
While most pundits agreed that referee Paul Williams erred in not awarding a penalty try and yellow card for the incident, which irked the Springboks.
White then made himself chief villain among Bok fans for an oscar-performance dive after Faf de Klerk tried to knock the ball out of his hands and clipped his moustache.
The replays showed the incident to be farcical but the referee yellow carded De Klerk in the process and White celebrated because he had gotten away with one of the most ridiculous moments on a rugby field.
So both returning to the Wallaby starting line-up will not be lost on the Boks as they prepare to try and go back to back in Australia and give their hopes of winning the Rugby Championship a massive boost.
Up front, the Wallabies have brought back loosehead prop Angus Bell to partner Allan Alaalatoa in the front row, with Josh Nasser getting his first start between the two props.
Koroibete replaces the injured Filipo Daugunu on the left wing with winger Andrew Kellaway and fullback Tom Wright retaining their places.
White’s return to partner Noah Lolesio will be the seventh time the two combine at test level while Angus Blyth comes in at lock to partner Lukhan Salakaia-Loto with the loose trio remaining the same.
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 Tom Hooper.
Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson have been selected as the replacement halves pairing while Max Jorgensen is another set for a potential Wallabies debut on Saturday evening.
The matchday 23 with three players who are sons of Wallabies in Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen and Josh Nasser.
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 to face Springboks: Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valentini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Josh Nasser, Angus Bell.
Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen.