Hooper back to front Boks

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Wallabies flank Michael Hooper

The return of captain Michael Hooper is one of four changes to the Wallabies side to take on the Springboks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Coach Michael Cheika has left his backline unchanged, but there are a few swaps among the forwards.

In the loose trio, a fit-again Hooper returns at openside flank. His return sees David Pocock move to No 8 at the expense of Peter Samu, while Ned Hanigan starts on the other side of the scrum in place of Lukhan Tui.

Lock Adam Coleman gets the No 4 jersey this week, with Rory Arnold moving to the bench to provide second-row cover. Taniela Tupou starts at tighthead prop with Allan Alaalatoa rotating to the bench.

Veteran prop Sekope Kepu has been recalled to the match 23 ahead of Tom Robertson.

Wallabies – 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Adam Coleman, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Rob Simmons, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Jack Maddocks.

Springbok team

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images