Marika Koroibete and Angus Bell return, while Seru Uru and Max Jorgensen are in line to make their Test debuts for Australia against the Springboks in Perth on Saturday.

Bell will make his return from injury in the second Test between the teams of the 2024 Rugby Championship. The loosehead prop combines with Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker, and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.

Koroibete replaces 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.

Veteran scrumhalf Nic White earns his first start of the 2024 campaign, combining with Noah Lolesio at halfback for the seventh time at international level.

Angus Blyth returns to the matchday 23, joining Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, while the loose trio of Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano and Harry Wilson remains unchanged from last week’s defeat to the Boks in Brisbane. Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau link up in midfield once again.

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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.

Uru and Jorgensen are named on the bench, along with versatile loose forward Tom Hooper, Reds co-captain Tate McDermott and Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson.

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.”

Australia – 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 (c), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16. Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.

Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za