Australia and South Africa name Tri-Nations sides

The Wallabies and the Springboks have named their teams for Saturday's do-or-die Tri-Nations Test at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

Australia coach John Connolly has made two changes to his side.

Flanker Wycliff Palu will make his first start as a replacement for Scott Fava at number eight and Tai McIsaac comes in at hooker in place of Jeremy Paul.

"There are a couple of positions we haven't settled on and the back row is an area we are looking very closely at," Connolly said in a statement.

"(Palu) is a huge man and he gives us another strong ball-carrying option," he said.

"He's still developing a number of aspects of his game but has a lot of potential. He's an important part of our philosophy of expanding our base in the lead-up to the World Cup."

Connolly still believes the Wallabies can win the Tri-Nations despite their 13-9 defeat by New Zealand on Saturday.

"There's still a possibility if results go our way that we can win the Tri-Nations," Connolly said.

"The match against New Zealand took a lot out of the players both physically and mentally, so it's a big challenge for them to get up for a test against South Africa with such a short turnaround," he said.

Meanwhile, South African coach Jake White made two changes to the Springbok's starting side for Saturday night's big match.

Winger Akona Ndungane returns from injury, while Johann Muller comes into the second row to partner line-out specialist Victor Matfield for the Springboks' shot at redemption.

The Springboks are the only winless team in the tournament following their 49-0 drubbing at the hands of Australia three weeks ago in Brisbane and a 35-17 loss to the All Blacks in New Zealand a fortnight ago.

Teenage hooker Chiliboy Ralepele will make his test debut from the South African bench.

South Africa:

Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Fourie du Preez, Jacques Cronje, Juan Smith, Solly Tyibilika, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, CJ van der Linde, John Smit (captain), Os du Randt.

Reserves:

Chiliboy Ralepele, Eddie Andrew, Albert van der Berg, Joe van Niekerk, Ricky Januarie, Meyer Bosman, Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

Australia:

Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (capt); Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Rodney Blake, Tai McIsaac, Greg Holmes.

Reserves:

Jeremy Paul, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone.

-REUTERS