The Wallabies have been in camp for the past five days on the Sunshine Coast ahead of their clash with the Springboks in Brisbane on 18 July. Cheika has picked 31 players to prepare for the game and included two uncapped men.
Rory Arnold and Taqele Naiyaravoro are both now closing in on their first Wallabies appearances, while veteran hooker Stephen Moore is returning to the captaincy.
“There were some really tough calls to make and the players who have not been named in this 31-man squad will still remain part of the group and will continue to contribute. We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season,” said Cheika.
“I’ve had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment. It’s given me great confidence knowing we’re establishing some depth in key positions.”
Wallabies Squad (v South Africa)
Rory Arnold (Brumbies)*, Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Quade Cooper (Reds), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Israel Folau (Waratahs), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Will Genia (Reds), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Scott Higginbotham (Rebels), Greg Holmes (Reds), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Rob Horne (Waratahs), James Horwill (Reds), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Stephen Moore (Brumbies, captain), Drew Mitchell (Toulon), Ben McCalman (Force), Sean McMahon (Rebels), Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs)*, Nick Phipps (Waratahs), David Pocock (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Rob Simmons (Reds), Will Skelton (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds), Matt Toomua (Brumbies), Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
* Uncapped
