Wallabies captain George Gregan will become only the fourth rugby union player to reach a century of Test appearances after overcoming a shoulder injury to be named on Wednesday in Australia’s starting line-up for the Tri-Nations Test against South Africa this weekend.
Flanker George Smith was restored to the side after Radike Samo was dropped from the 22-man squad following Australia’s loss to New Zealand earlier this month.
Jeremy Paul comes in at hooker for the suspended Brendan Cannon and Queenslander John Roe has been promoted to the vacant bench spot in the only other changes to the team that faced the All Blacks.
Coach Eddie Jones retained Justin Harrison in the starting second row after speculation that Dan Vickerman may be promoted from the bench to take on the Springboks’ large forward pack.
Jones says the decision to start Smith ahead of Samo was a tough one.
”Radike has played well but we believe against South Africa, George will give us a higher work rate,” said Jones.
Gregan, aged 31, will join winger David Campese (101) as the second Australian player to reach 100 Tests. The others to reach the milestone were England prop Jason Leonard (114) and French centre Philippe Sella (111).
The scrumhalf was forced out of Australia’s opening Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Wellington on July 17 after injuring his shoulder against the Pacific Islanders in Adelaide a fortnight before.
Gregan said he is hoping to mark his 100-Test milestone with a big performance by his team.
”I’m really looking forward to playing the 100th game and playing with a great bunch of guys, which is what this team is all about,” said Gregan.
Gregan has been through three World Cup campaigns, missing just 12 of 111 Tests Australia have played since he made his debut in June 1994.
The Springboks made just one change to their line-up that almost beat the All Blacks before losing 23-21 in Christchurch last Saturday.
Gerrie Britz comes in as lock, replacing Albert van den Berg who will sit on the bench. — Sapa-AFP