Wallabies trust new blood in battle against world champions

The Wallabies team to play South Africa at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday has been revealed, with plenty of youth being embedded into what will be an almighty test against the world champions.

The largely inexperienced Wallaby squad will take comfort from knowing that Brisbane does not hold positive memories for the Springboks, with Australia having gained the majority of the successes between the two sides in Eastern Australia.

The stadium, set between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, has sold out for the first time since the 2013 visit from the British and Irish Lions, building up to what is expected to be a monumental test.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “There’s a mix of continuity and freshness in the squad and the players have worked with good enthusiasm during the week, but we know there’s still plenty to work on.”

“We’re conscious of the size of the challenge and the size of our opponents but there’s a keenness in the player group to take a step forward.”

Wallaby squad

1. Isaac Kailea (3 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
2. Matt Faessler (7 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (70 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (16 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (32 Tests) – Randwick
6. Rob Valetini (42 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano* – University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (13 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (22 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (20 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Filipo Daugunu (10 Tests) – Wests Bulldogs
12. Hunter Paisami (27 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (29 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andrew Kellaway (29 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (28 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes
16. Josh Nasser (2 Tests) – Easts Tigers
17. James Slipper (136 Tests) – Bond Pirates
18. Zane Nonggorr (6 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Jeremy Williams (3 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
20. Luke Reimer* – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
21. Tate McDermott (31 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Tom Lynagh (1 Test) – University of Queensland
23. Dylan Pietsch (1 Test) – Leeton Phantoms
*denotes uncapped