Towering lock Rory Arnold has vowed to make the most of his first Test chance in 12 months after banging down the Wallabies selection door to earn a shot at redemption.
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Arnold's return to Wallabies gold was part of a massive shake-up from coach Michael Cheika, who dropped playmaker Bernard Foley to the bench and axed Rob Simmons and Sekope Kepu from the squad.
ACT Brumbies flanker David Pocock is still racing the clock to be fit for the clash against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday as he struggles to overcome neck soreness.
But Arnold is ready to fire in his first Test since September 9 last year after injuries, suspension and being overlooked for selection stalled his Wallabies career.
Arnold has been told to throw around his 208 centimetre and 120 kilogram frame in what is expected to be a physical duel with the door open for the 28-year-old to cement a second-row spot.
"As a tight-five player, we're going to have to be solid up front and set the tone early," Arnold said.
"Being a lock it's about physicality. That was the message I got in the early parts of the year and during the June series [for the Wallabies]. I guess they're the things I've been working on and looking to bring this weekend.
"I'm not getting complacent with my spot in the time. You want to be playing good footy and pushing the starters for their spots. It's tough to get into this side, so I want to make the most of the opportunity I've been given."
There will be a distinct Brumbies flavour in the rejigged Wallabies side, with Arnold to start alongside props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa and Pocock to play at No. 8 if he's fit.
Folau Faingaa keeps his spot on the bench after making his international debut two weeks ago, and scrumhalf Joe Powell gets his first opportunity of the Rugby Championship.
Fullback Tom Banks and back-rower Pete Samu will remain with the Wallabies and are on standby for game-day duties if Israel Folau or Pocock are unable to take their place in the team.
Former Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua will step into the inside centre role, with Kurtley Beale shifting to flyhalf and Bernard Foley being demoted to the reserves list.
Many were shocked when Arnold was left out of the Wallabies teams for the first two Bledisloe Cup matches given he was one of the most in-form locks in Australian rugby this year.
He became the first second-rower in Brumbies history to win the Brett Robinson award as the club's best player this year and Cheika backed him to step up against the Springboks.
"There’s a lot of good things about Rory. He’s been a bit unlucky to miss out over the last few weeks," Cheika said.
"He’s had good form for the Brumbies this season without a doubt. He’s aggressive and he’s a big, tall unit so it will certainly be an interesting battle with the South Africa locks because they’re big men themselves.
"I think he’s got a really good work ethic and I really believe that’s the driver inside. We can talk a lot of technical things but getting back off the ground, getting back into the game as fast as possible and as urgently as possible is one of the most important traits for tight five players.
"I think that’s something Rory brings and I’m sure he’ll empty the tank."
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday: Wallabies v South Africa at Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm.
Wallabies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Lukhan Tui, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Kurtley Beale, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Matt Toomua, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Israel Folau. Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Ned Hanigan, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Bernard Foley, 23. Jack Maddocks.
