Australia's selectors have responded to the latest of three straight defeats by dropping flankers George Smith and John Roe for Saturday's Tri-Nations game against South Africa in Perth.
However, out-of-form scrumhalf and captain George Gregan retains his place in the squad, despite mounting pressure against the veteran's inclusion. His selection will mark his 113th Test appearance, taking him to within one of former England prop Jason Leonard's all-time Test record.
Smith has lost his spot in the starting line-up to Phil Waugh, while Roe is dumped in favour of Rocky Elsom as part of a new-look line-up from the side that was thrashed 30-13 by New Zealand in Sydney last weekend.
Winger Mark Gerrard was forced to pull out after tearing his hamstring just hours after his selection and coach Eddie Jones has indicated that either Clyde Rathbone or Mat Rogers will be called off the bench to replace him, with a new replacement joining the squad. Gerrard is the third Australian back to be ruled out this week after outside centre Stirling Mortlock injured his calf against the All Blacks and fullback Chris Latham also succumbed to a hamstring injury. Jones called up outhalf Elton Flatley to replace Mortlock in a reshuffled back line as well as Brendan Cannon to replace injured hooker Jeremy Paul.
South Africa, meanwhile, have been able to name an unchanged team for the first time in nearly six years. Springboks coach Jake White had no hesitation in keeping faith with the same 22-man squad that overcame New Zealand 22-16 in Cape Town on August 13th.
"It gives us confidence as a squad that we can have the same starting team running out again this week," White said. "The more they play together, the better they are going to become."
South Africa, however, have a woeful record on Australian soil, with just one win in their past 13 encounters, including their most recent clash in a Mandela Challenge Plate match last month.
AUSTRALIA: D Mitchell; C Rathbone/M Rogers, M Turinui, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; E Flatley, G Gregan (captain); B Young, B Cannon, Al Baxter, D Vickerman, N Sharpe, R Elsom, P Waugh, D Lyons. Replacements: S Moore, M Dunning, M Chisholm, G Smith, C Whitaker, C Rathbone/M Rogers (one more to be added).
SOUTH AFRICA: P Montgomery; B Paulse, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; A Pretorious, R Januarie; O du Randt, J Smit (captain), CJ van der Linde, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, J Smith, J van Niekerk. Replacements: H Shimange, G Steenkamp, A van den Berg, J Cronje, F du Preez, W Julies, J van der Westhuyzen.
