Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou to start against Springboks as Scott Sio set for 50th Test

Alex Broun 15:42 27/09/2018
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    • Taniela Tupou will start against South Africa

    Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made four changes to his starting fifteen ahead of Australia’s Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon (19:05 UAE time).

    Prop Taniela Tupou will earn his first Test start when he runs out at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after six appearances off the bench to open his International career.

    Tupou will bookend the scrum alongside Scott Sio who is set to notch his 50th Test cap.

    Captain Michael Hooper returns to the side after being a late scratching from Australia’s 19-23 defeat to Argentina a fortnight ago and he’s joined by Ned Hanigan in the backrow.

    In the other change, Adam Coleman re-gains his spot at lock after coming off the bench against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

    Australia haven’t tasted victory in South Africa since 2011 but did earn a draw in the Republic last year, when both sides fought out a 27-all stalemate in Bloemfontein.

    Saturday’s clash will be the first meeting between the two sides in Port Elizabeth since 1963, when South Africa won 22-6 to level the four-match Test series.

    Wallabies team to play South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth on Saturday 29 September

    1. Scott Sio (49 Tests)
    2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (86 Tests)
    3. Taniela Tupou (6 Tests)
    4. Adam Coleman (26 Tests)
    5. Izack Rodda (11 Tests)
    6. Ned Hanigan (15 Tests)
    7. Michael Hooper (c) (85 Tests)
    8. David Pocock (73 Tests)
    9. Will Genia (94 Tests)
    10. Kurtley Beale (78 Tests)
    11. Marika Koroibete (15 Tests)
    12. Matt Toomua (37 Tests)
    13. Reece Hodge (31 Tests)
    14. Israel Folau (67 Tests)
    15. Dane Haylett-Petty (25 Tests)

    Reserves

    1. Folau Faingaa (3 Tests)
    2. Sekope Kepu (97 Tests)
    3. Allan Alaalatoa (27 Tests)
    4. Rory Arnold (17 Tests)
    5. Rob Simmons (88 Tests)
    6. Nick Phipps (67 Tests)
    7. Bernard Foley (62 Tests)
    8. Jack Maddocks (4 Tests)

    Rugby Championship Fixtures and Results

    Wallabies 13 v New Zealand 38 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Saturday 18 August

    New Zealand 40 v Wallabies 12 at Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 25 August

    Wallabies 23 v South Africa 18 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 8 September

    Wallabies 19 v 23 Argentina at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Saturday 15 September

    South Africa v Wallabies at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, Sunday 30 September

    Argentina v Wallabies at Padre Ernesto Martearena Stadium, Salta, Sunday 7 October

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