Australia has named six Perth-based players, including teenage fullback James O'Connor, in its squad to take on South Africa in a Tri-Nations rugby test on Saturday at Subiaco Oval.
O'Connor, centre Ryan Cross, flyhalf Matt Giteau and No. 8 Richard Brown, all members of the Western Force Super 14 side, were named in the starting XV on Thursday.
Flanker David Pocock and winger Drew Mitchell were named in the reserves as Australia attempts to win its first match after three losses to open the tournament.
The 19-year-old O'Connor has recovered from a calf injury to start a test for the fourth time.
Flanker Rocky Elsom, who had just returned to the Wallabies after an injury layoff, was passed fit to play after overcoming an ankle injury in Australia's 19-18 loss to New Zealand last Saturday in Sydney.
"Rocky showed in his first outing how influential he can be," Australia coach Robbie Deans said.
"He'll be better for having a game under his belt. James, with every outing, will develop composure and maturity and start to bring his own skill set to the game."
Centre Berrick Barnes and lock Nathan Sharpe were ruled out of the match earlier this week.
Barnes injured his neck and sustained a concussion in the first half of last weekend's loss to the All Blacks, while Sharpe damaged his shoulder.
Australia must beat South Africa to stay alive in this year's Tri-Nations and to remain in contention for the Mandela Trophy, which has been contested on an annual basis by the two countries since 2000.
South Africa leads the series 1-0 after its 29-17 win over the Wallabies at Cape Town on August 8.
The Springboks made just one change on Thursday to its starting XV from the Cape Town test - Ruan Pienaar starts at fullback with Frans Steyn moving to the bench.
Schalk Burger returns to the squad on the bench in place of Danie Rossouw, who is recovering from injury.
Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will play his 50 test Saturday for the Springboks.
Squads:
Australia: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Richard Brown, George Smith (captain), Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Drew Mitchell.
South Africa: Ruan Pienaar, J.P. Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Ricky Januarie, Adi Jacobs, Frans Steyn.
