O’Connor at 10 for Wallabies, 6-2 bench

James O’Connor starts at flyhalf for the Wallabies against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

O’Connor is the only change to the starting XV that defeated the British & Irish Lions in Sydney a fortnight ago, replacing Tom Lynagh, who suffered a concussion in that match.

Starting loosehead prop James Slipper is one of just three players in the match 23 who have worn the gold jersey at Ellis Park, alongside fellow prop Taniela Tupou and scrumhalf Nic White.

Billy Pollard completes the starting front row at hooker, with Nick Frost and Will Skelton again partnering in the second row. Tom Hooper, who made his Test debut in South Africa in 2023, starts at blindside flanker, combining with Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the loose trio.

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Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii continue their midfield partnership for a seventh consecutive Test, with wings Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen – both try-scorers in Sydney – joined by Tom Wright at fullback.

Coach Joe Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the bench in a bid to deal with the formidable Bok pack.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa returns to South African soil for the first time since 2018, joining Angus Bell and Zane Nonggorr as front row cover. Jeremy Williams is the reserve lock, while Langi Gleeson and Nick Champion de Crespigny provide loose forward depth.

Tate McDermott is the reserve scrumhalf and Andrew Kellaway offers utility back cover.

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“We’ve had a good week of preparation, adjusting well to the time zone and altitude here in Johannesburg,” said Schmidt. “There’s not many bigger Tests than playing South Africa on their home turf and we know we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday night.”