Enigmatic outhalf Quade Cooper has been handed his first Test start in 12 months while code-hopper Israel Folau will start at fullback as part of a new-look Australia side to face South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday.
Cooper’s starting berth and Folau’s shift from the right wing forces Brumbies Matt Toomua and Jesse Mogg to the bench for the Rugby Championship clash.
Force veteran Nick Cummins replaces Folau on the right wing, while Waratahs’ Sekope Kepu replaces Ben Alexander at tighthead.
Reds loose forward Jake Schatz has been named on the bench and is in line for a possible Test debut
AUSTRALIA: I Folau; N Cummins, A Ashley-Cooper, C Lealiifano, J O’Connor; Q Cooper, W Genia; J Slipper, S Moore, S Kepu; R Simmons, J Horwill (capt); S Fardy, M Hooper, B Mowen. Replacements: S Faingaa, S Sio, B Alexander, K Douglas, J Schatz, N White, M Toomua, J Mogg.
