Queensland Reds flanker Fraser McReight will become the Wallabies’ 91st captain this weekend, leading an Australian side in Cape Town that will include debutant winger Corey Toole.
Chasing back-to-back Rugby Championship wins over South Africa, the Wallabies have made three injury-enforced changes to the team that started in last Sunday morning’s 38-22 win over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
Brumbies star and Sevens Olympian Toole replaces Dylan Pietsch (fractured jaw), prop Tom Robertson comes in for James Slipper (concussion), while Rob Valetini will start at No.8 in place of Harry Wilson (knee).
The absence of regular skipper Wilson has led to his Reds teammate McReight being named captain.
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“The squad as a whole has recovered pretty well from what was a very draining and physical Test match on the Highveld last week,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.
“We struggled to contain a powerhouse Springbok start last weekend and we know that we have to improve leading into what’s likely to be a bruising encounter in Cape Town on (Sunday morning, AEST).”
Experienced pair Nic White and James O’Connor have again been partnered in the halves, with Reds halfback and skipper Tate McDermott to again come off the bench.
Wallabies: Tom Robertson, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight (c), Rob Valetini, Nic White, James O’Connor, Corey Toole, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway.
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