PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) — Australia has made four changes, all of them in the forwards, for the Rugby Championship test against South Africa on Saturday.
Prop Taniela Tupou will make his first test start in Port Elizabeth after a run of strong performances off the bench.
Captain Michael Hooper is back in the starting lineup after missing the home loss to Argentina on Sept. 15. Hooper's return at openside flanker means David Pocock switches back to No. 8.
Ned Hanigan comes in at blindside flanker for Lukhan Tui, who didn't travel for family reasons, and Adam Coleman will partner Izack Rodda in the second row.
The Springboks, rejuvenated by a surprise win in New Zealand, will give first starts to wing Cheslin Kolbe and No. 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
South Africa also has a changed center pairing of Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel after injuries to Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/tag/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Disclaimer: This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Associated Press (AP) wire.
