Skip to content

Jack Dempsey, Marika Koroibete and Izack Rodda handed first starts in South Africa Test

Australia forward Izack Rodda
Image: Izack Rodda comes into the second row in place of Rob Simmons

Jack Dempsey, Marika Koroibete and Izack Rodda will make their first starts for Australia in Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against South Africa, live on Sky Sports Action from 3.30pm.

Flanker Dempsey will replace Ned Hanigan while Koroibete will pick up his second cap on the wing instead of Henry Speight.

Rodda takes over from Rob Simmons in the second row.

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika says all three deserve an opportunity to start after impressing off the bench.

"I just thought I would give him a crack and give him a go," Cheika said of Rodda's inclusion, while adding Dempsey's selection was a case of "changing it up".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Australia were 45-20 winners over Argentina in their last outing

"Simmons hasn't been poor in any way but maybe how we start, how we finish, it's going to be a big forward battle I would say.

"We'll unleash him out there when he's fresh and ready to go.

Also See:

"I don't think there is any risk there because he has come off the bench and played well in two big games and I can't see why starting is any different - it's a step along the way."

Live Rugby Championship

Koroibete made his Australia debut in last month's victory over Argentina and Cheika has been impressed by the rugby league convert.

"He did well in the first game and now starting, he will have a chance to prepare himself for the whole week and get ready," said Cheika.

"He still has a bit to work on in terms of finding his lines off set-pieces and things like that, but defensively and his work-rate, and stuff like that, he's on the money."

Former captain Stephen Moore is the only major change to the bench, the hooker coming back in place of Jordan Uelese.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia; 1 Scott Sio, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Izack Rodda, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Sean McMahon.

Replacements (one to be omitted): 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Lukhan Tui, 21 Ned Hanigan, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Samu Keveri, 24 Henry Speight.

Around Sky