Wallabies forced into late change
Wallabies back row forward Jake Schatz is a late injury withdrawal from Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.
He will be replaced on the bench by Queensland Reds teammate Liam Gill.
The decision to remove Schatz from the matchday squad came early on Saturday, after the talented 23-year-old back row forward showed signs of significant swelling to his right knee – which initially flared up late on Friday following the team's captain's run.
Schatz will undergo scans on his knee in Brisbane.
His withdrawal will see flank Liam Gill return to coach Ewen McKenzie's matchday squad for Saturday's crucial Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate clash against the Springboks.
"Jake has come very close to debuting for Australia on a number of occasions now so on a personal level we are all extremely disappointed to rule him out on matchday," McKenzie said.
"However, he is a resilient character and will be back very soon.
"Liam has been involved in our opening two Tests so will slot straight back into what we are trying to achieve against the Springboks."
Meanwhile, McKenzie has also confirmed two new faces will join the Australian squad in Perth on Sunday ahead of the Wallabies' clash against Argentina next Saturday, September 14.
They include NSW Waratahs lock Sitaleki Timani and back row forward Dave Dennis, who boast a combined 25 caps for Australia between them.
The pair will provide strong cover for a forward pack which has in recent weeks ruled out James Horwill, Hugh McMeniman, Peter Kimlin, Hugh Pyle and now Schatz through injury.
The Wallabies enter Saturday's match against South Africa with possession of the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate and will retain the silverware for a fourth straight year with a victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Australia – revised: 15 Israel Folau, 14 ,James O'Connor 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Nic White, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Jesse Mogg.
Date: Saturday, September 7
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 20.05 (12.05 SA time; 10.05 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
