Australia have selected uncapped Rebels No.8 Isi Naisarani for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday, but there is no place in the squad yet for the returning James O’Connor.
Fijian-born Naisarani, who moved to Australia five years ago, will pack down with captain Michael Hooper and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at the back of the scrum and be given the chance to stake his claim for a place at the World Cup in Japan later this year.
Prop James Slipper will play his first Test since 2016, while scrumhalf Nic White also returns after he last featured against New Zealand four years ago.
BREAKING l Your #Wallabies team to face the Springboks in the opening game of the #RugbyChampionship.
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White’s inclusion means 100-cap veteran Will Genia starts on the bench, along with prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, who will make his Test debut if used after flying in late this week following injuries to Scott Sio and Tom Robertson.
Of his squad, coach Michael Cheika says: “This is an opportunity for our team. We really want to begin building momentum to take us towards our goals in 2019.
“We know we go into the game as heavy underdogs but most of the players have had a touch over three great weeks of training to prepare, so really they just can’t wait to get out and get into the battle. I’m feeling a lot belief and commitment from the people in this Wallaby squad.”