Taniela Tupou to miss Springboks Test after father's death, two new flankers to take on world champions

Australia's hopes of upsetting South Africa in Saturday's Rugby Championship opener have taken a major hit with Taniela Tupou missing from the team sheet following the death of his father this week.

The sad news means Zane Nonggorr has been named on the Wallabies bench and it is unclear when Tupou will return to playing duties.

The two-time defending world champion Springboks will undoubtedly target young Wallabies props Isaac Kailea and Nonggorr at scrum time at Suncorp Stadium.

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Marika Koroibete was another surprise omission from the 23 after the dynamic winger became the first overseas-based player to be called up by coach Joe Schmidt.

Fraser McReight's thumb injury opens the door for Force flanker Carlo Tizzano to make his Test debut, while Brumbies openside Luke Reimer is also set for his first cap via the bench.

"There's a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there's still plenty to work on," Schmidt said.

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"We're conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there's a keenness in the player group to take a step forward."

No.8 Harry Wilson said Tizzano would not be overawed by the occasion.

"Carlo, he's just a competitor," Wilson said.

"Everything about training he competes. He's very physical and he really has his own way of playing footy which is just being a physical No.7.

"We've obviously tried a lot of different partnerships at training, and I've enjoyed being able to be in the back-row with him at some point of it.

"He's out there trying to whack everyone who comes near him. He's just always switched on and just trying to get the best of his ability.

"Everyone's so pumped for this weekend. It's who you want to be (playing), the defending world champions."

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Matt Faessler, Isaac Kailea

Reserves: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch

SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Elrigh Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche

Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard