Wallabies coach calls up Koroibete for Springboks Test

Winger Marika Koroibete will play his first Test of the season for Australia against SA in Perth on Saturday after being named in the starting side for the second round of the Rugby Championship.

Coach Joe Schmidt made five changes to his starting line-up from the team that was thrashed 33-7 by the world champions last weekend and named uncapped outside back Max Jorgensen and flanker Seru Uru for potential debuts on his bench.

Koroibete, who has twice won the John Eales Medal as Australia's best Test player, will play his first Test since the 2023 World Cup after Schmidt elected not to call up any overseas-based players for the July Tests.

The powerful Fijian-born flyer replaces injured Filipo Daugunu on the left wing.

In other changes, Angus Bell returns from injury at loosehead prop, Josh Nasser replaces Matt Faessler at hooker, Angus Blyth comes into the second row for Nick Frost, and Nic White will start at scrumhalf for Jake Gordon.

Hooker Billy Pollard and flanker Tom Hooper return on the bench alongside Uru, who is set to make his debut against SA’s famed “bomb squad” replacements.

“There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical Test last weekend,” Schmidt said.

“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”

Australia squad: Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Allan Alaalatoa (capt), Josh Nasser, Angus Bell

Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Sere Uru, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen

Reuters