Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt makes changes for Second Test Against the Springboks in Perth.

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has recalled Marika Koroibete to the starting side after naming a revamped team to face the Springboks on Saturday at Optus Stadium.

Koroibete was named in the back three alongside Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright for his first appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 59-Test veteran was named in the squad for the first two Tests of the Rugby Championship after missing the July series following his return from Japan.

Schmidt has also named Western Force scrum-half Nic White for his first start of the year.

White partners with former Brumbies teammate Noah Lolesio in the halves after coming off the bench against Wales and Georgia.

In the forwards, prop Angus Bell provides a massive boost, cleared to return from a toe injury.

Bell last featured in April for the Waratahs after a re-aggravation of the injury that derailed his 2023 Super Rugby campaign.

Hooker Josh Nasser joins him for his debut start alongside captain Allan Alaalatoa.

Angus Blyth comes into the starting side after missing the Springboks defeat with an infection, replacing Nick Frost (concussion).

There are two potential debutants on the bench, with Seru Uru and Max Jorgensen included in the 23.

Uru provides second and back row cover in a five-three bench split, joined by the returning Billy Pollard and Tom Hooper.

Meanwhile, Jorgensen makes his long-awaited return after injury prevented him from becoming the youngest-ever Australian to debut at a Rugby World Cup last year.

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

“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.”

 

Wallabies team to play South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 17 August

 

1. Angus Bell (28 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Josh Nasser (3 Tests) - Easts Tigers
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (71 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4. Angus Blyth (3 Tests) – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (33 Tests) – Randwick
6. Rob Valetini (43 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (1 Test) - University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (14 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (68 Tests) – Maitland Blacks
10. Noah Lolesio (20 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Marika Koroibete (59 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji
12. Hunter Paisami (28 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (30 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andrew Kellaway (30 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (29 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Replacements:

16. Billy Pollard (3 Tests) – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. James Slipper (137 Tests) – Bond Pirates
18. Zane Nonggorr (7 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Tom Hooper (9 Tests) – Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Seru Uru* - Wests Bulldogs
21. Tate McDermott (32 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (9 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Max Jorgensen* - Balmain Wolves

*Uncapped