Quade Cooper to Play in First Australia Test

Quade Cooper will play his first Test for Australia in more than four years on Sunday against South Africa in the Rugby Championship.The 33-year-old, whose last international start was against Argentina in October 2016, will start at fly half for his 71st cap in place of Noah Lolesio, who has worn the No. 10 shirt for Australia’s six Tests this year.

Head Coach Dave Rennie, whose side have lost their opening two matches in the Rugby Championship, is unable to call upon James O’Connor after injury while Matt Toomua is no longer considered an option at fly-half.

New Zealand-born Cooper left Australia to play in Japan in 2019 and last played for the Wallabies in 2017 against Italy.

Rennie made two changes in the pack with Angus Bell awarded his first Test start at loose-head prop and Izack Rodda promoted from the bench to partner Matt Philip in the second row in place of the injured Darcy Swain. (BBC)