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Australia make three changes for Springboks rematch

Scrum-half Nic White is promoted to the starting line-up
Scrum-half Nic White is promoted to the starting line-up

Australia coach Dave Rennie has made three changes for Saturday's Rugby Championship rematch with South Africa.

The Wallabies beat the world champions 28-26 last weekend with Quade Cooper kicking the winning penalty in his first Test in four years.

Cooper will be partnered by Nic White at half-back in Brisbane, the former Exeter Chief replacing Tate McDermott.

The other changes come in the front row where Taniela Tupou gets his first start of the campaign at tighthead prop in place of Allan Alaalatoa, who has returned home for the birth of his child.

James Slipper returns on the other side of the front row in place of Angus Bell, who is named on the bench alongside recalled tighthead Tom Robertson, who is set to play his first Test since 2018.

Lock Darcy Swain, who missed last week's match due to injury, was also named on the bench in place of Rob Leota.

Flanker Michael Hooper will captain his country for a record 60th Test, overtaking the long-standing mark of Wallabies great George Gregan.

"It's an incredible milestone for Hoops on Saturday evening in Brisbane and it's a testament to him as a person and a player," said Rennie.

"I've been so impressed with his leadership both on and off the field and his drive to be better every day."

South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber named his side on Wednesday, making one enforced and one tactical change to the side which lost last week.

Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nic White; 1 James Slipper, 2 Folau Fainga'a, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Izack Rodda, 5 Matt Philip, 6 Lachie Swinton, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Rob Valetini.

Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu'u, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Jordan Petaia.

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