Australia have made three changes to their starting lineup for the match against the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.

Up front, Saia Fainga'a will make his first start at Test level in four years, where he replaces the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker. James Hanson will provide cover from the bench, while there was also a recall for Benn Robinson.

Among the backs, Adam-Ashley Cooper has recovered from his neck injury, suffered in the first match against the Springboks, and will take his place on the right wing. On the opposite flank Joe Tomane will make his first start of the year, with Rob Horne and Peter Betham the two to make way.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has retained faith with the halfback combination that did the job against the Springboks in Perth, while Michael Hooper will captain the side once again.

The 22-year old openside had not seen his first birthday the last time the Wallabies won a Test at Newlands.

Wallabies – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Subs: 16 James Hanson, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 James Horwill, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nic White, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Rob Horne.

Rugby Championship Teams (Round 5)

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