Wallaby team to play Springboks named

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has announced the team that will take on the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday, September 7, with four changes to the side that fell to the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The most notable change is that of Quade Cooper, who comes into the flyhalf position over Matt Toomua.

“We have very specific thoughts about how we want to play this game and feel Quade is best suited to carrying that out,” Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.

“He’s been part of our matchday squad in both games so far but his role now changes from being a finisher to starting the game.  We feel that role will suit how we want to play.

“He is also an experienced and successful Test player, which is handy to have against a hardened Springboks outfit.

Israel Folau also shifts from the wing and into fullback, a position he is more familiar with after spending most of his time in Super Rugby in the number 15 jersey.

“Israel has played more fullback than on the wing so he will undoubtedly feel comfortable playing the position.  He has looked impressive at training and we think he will add value with how we want to approach the game,” said McKenzie.

Western Force speedster Nick Cummins then comes onto the right wing, with James O’Connor sticking on the left wing.

Sekope Kepu  also starts in the front row, alongside Moore and Slipper.

On the bench Queensland Reds backrower Jake Schatz is in line to make his long-awaited Test debut .

“Jake has been a continuously improving player for as long as I have known him and that was reflected in his Pilecki Medal honour.  Winning that award is the ultimate recognition of consistency over a period of time,” said McKenzie.

“He will bring a bunch of attributes to the game and can cover all three backrow positions, along with being a very good lineout jumper.”

Wallabies – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Adam-Ashley Cooper, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 James O’Connor, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper.
Subs: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Nic White, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Jesse Mogg.