The Wallabies camp seemed outwardly calm today, despite the heat that is once again coming on their crumpling front row.
The Springboks have joined the All Blacks in targeting Australia's scrum, as they prepare for their Tri-Nations match in Brisbane on Saturday.
Guy Shepherdson retains his place at tighthead, despite
calls for the return of bulky 130kg prop Rodney "Rodzilla" Blake following his recovery to fitness after an ankle injury.
Wallabies assistant coach Michael Foley says Blake has not yet been 100 per cent cleared by the medical staff, but they also have faith in Shepherdson.
Foley says Shepherdson is developing well and will do the job, seeing Blake is not available.
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Meanwhile, Springbok coach Jake White is set to reveal a Bulls-dominated team this afternoon.
Bryan Habana is set to return from injury to play on the wing, in a backline expected to include Bulls players.
White is set to name under 21 player Pierre Spies at number eight with Joe van Niekerk shifting to the blindside.
Tighthead prop CJ van der Linde will make his return from injury while Bulls winger Akona Ndugane is set to make his test debut ahead of Breyton Paulse.
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Australian coach John Connolly has made four changes to his starting 15 for the test in Brisbane on Saturday.
Scott Fava was on today named at No 8 with Rocky Elsom switching to blindside flanker, Matt Giteau replaces Mat Rogers at second five-eighth and experienced hooker Jeremy Paul comes in for the injured Tai McIsaac.
Winger Clyde Rathbone returns to the squad on the reserves bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Australia:
Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Scott Fava, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Jeremy Paul, Greg Holmes.
Reserves:
Sean Hardman, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone.
- REUTERS, NEWSTALK ZB
