Wallabies welcome back star trio

Matt Giteau, Quade Cooper and Will Genia have returned to the Wallabies starting lineup for their match against the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday.

Giteau will earn his 93rd Test cap in the No 12 jersey following a four-year absence from the national team, while Genia and Cooper will start a Test together for the first time since November 2013.

The other change to the team that ran out against England at Twickenham last November is the return of Tevita Kuridrani at outside centre.

'With new combinations comes a new level of energy to our team environment and Will, Quade and Matt certainly bring that,' said coach Michael Cheika. 'Matt is a true professional and his impact on the team dynamic has been immediate. His form in Toulon and work ethic since joining the squad has been first class.'

Wallabies – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (c), 1 James Slipper.
Subs: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 James Horwill, 20 David Pocock, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Drew Mitchell.

Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Post by