Breakdown blow for Wallabies
INJURY UPDATE: Australia suffered a setback on the eve of their Rugby Championship encounter with South Africa.
Wallaby No.8 David Pocock has been withdrawn from Saturday’s clash against the Boks in Brisbane, after failing to overcome a neck injury sustained in the second Bledisloe Cup clash in Auckland.
Pocock has been replaced in the starting side by Pete Samu, who will earn his first Test start.
The Wallabies are last on the standings, after back-to-back defeats to New Zealand to open their 2018 campaign.
Australia and South Africa have been fiercely competitive in recent match-ups, after playing out two draws in 2017.
The Wallabies and Springboks last met in Brisbane in 2016, when Australia edged home 23-17.
Australia – revised: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Will Genia, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lukhan Tui, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Ned Hanigan, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Jack Maddocks.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 20.00 (12.00 SA time; 10.00 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
