Big names axed as Wallabies make six changes for Rugby Championship Test against Springboks
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has reacted to the record loss against Argentina by making six changes to his starting XV to play South Africa in Adelaide on Saturday.
As expected Noah Lolesio will start at five-eighth as the No.10 jersey continues to change hands, with veteran Bernard Foley not included in the matchday 23.
Hunter Paisami returns to the midfield after recovering from concussion symptoms with Lalakai Foketi dropping out of the squad.
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie at Suncorp Stadium. Getty
Reece Hodge starts at fullback with Tom Wright switching back to the wing and Jordan Petaia axed after an unhappy day for the back three in San Juan.
Experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa replaces Taniela Tupou in the XV after missing the last Test due to a death in his family.
And lock Matt Philip returns to the starting side in place of Darcy Swain.
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"It's great to have a number of experienced players back in the mix this weekend," Rennie said in a Wallabies statement.
"We understand that respect is earned daily and we get an opportunity to earn it against the current world champions on Saturday afternoon.
"It's really motivating to be back at home in front of our supporters, especially in Adelaide, a place we haven't played at in 18 years."
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In a calculated risk, Rennie has opted for just two backs on his bench in halfback Tate McDermott and the returning Andrew Kellaway.
Wallabies assistant coach Dan McKellar said he had plenty of faith in Lolesio, who comes in for the dumped James O'Connor.
Lolesio started all three Tests against England in July but did not feature against the Pumas.
Noah Lolesio kicks at goal at Eden Park. Getty
"He's trained well while he hasn't been in the side," McKellar said.
"He was close to playing in Argentina. But that's a position that hasn't been nailed yet by an individual or owned. He gets his chance this week.
"He's got (Nic White) on his inside who he knows very well – they've got a very good combination, have played a lot of footy together, so that should be really good cohesion.
"Now he's just got to go out there and do his job within our plan...
"My advice there is he doesn't need to go there and think he needs to be the best player on the field. He needs to do the basics well and direct us around the park and manage the game well, understand when we've got momentum, understand when we don't have momentum and how we handle that. Play the game in the right areas of the field.
"That's what his job is. If he does that and he's really solid that's a tick in the box for him. So I don't think it's about him going out there thinking he's got to create a whole lot of opportunity for others. It's just about doing his role well."
WALLABIES (15-1): Reece Hodge, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Jed Holloway, Matt Philip, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper (c)
Reserves: David Porecki, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Darcy Swain, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway
SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche
Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn
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