But COVID-19 has allowed for some wiggle room under the harsh Giteau Law criteria and the immediate impact of Kerevi has changed RA’s thinking. The need for more quality locks is also a consistent problem for the Wallabies, and Arnold was due to return to the Wallabies last season before getting injured. Eighteen-cap giant Skelton has been in dominant form since moving to England, and now France, in 2017.
While the review of the Giteau Law is still being conducted by RA chief executive Andy Marinos and board members Phil Waugh and Daniel Herbert, sources with knowledge of the discussions have told the Herald of the new models being considered.
Sean McMahon is due to link up with the Wallabies again this week.Credit:Getty
The most simple of the rule changes being considered is to lower the number of Tests required to qualify for Wallabies selection when based abroad to as few as 15 or 20 Tests.
Sources say another alternative being given strong consideration is a move to a “25 and five” model which would shift the point of focus for eligibility from Test caps to age.
The basis of that model would see any Australian player over the age of 25 who has played five seasons for a Super Rugby club be eligible for selection.
This would allow RA to try and keep the best young prospects who make Super Rugby debuts in their teens - such as Jordan Petaia and Harry Wilson - for more than the first few years of their career, while not punishing players that are stuck behind established stars.
Nic White will start at halfback as the Wallabies look to make it a double against the world champion Springboks.Credit:Getty
Liam Gill is one example of a player who would benefit from the “25 and five” model.
The only player of the six overseas-based Australians that the Wallabies desperately want for the 2023 World Cup who would not qualify for selection based on that criteria is McMahon, who only played four seasons for the Rebels.
Meanwhile, a former overseas-based player - Nic White - has earned his first start of the Test season.
A knee injury suffered before the July series against France saw White hand his hold on the No.9 jersey to Tate McDermott, and the rising Queensland Reds star has taken the opportunity with aplomb.
Taniela Tupou will also start against South Africa.Credit:Getty
But White impressed in a cameo off the bench on Sunday - winning the penalty which Quade Cooper duly slotted to snatch the win - and has forced his way back into the starting XV.
McDermott will come off the bench but there was no room for James O’Connor in the matchday 23.
The Wallabies have two new starting props in James Slipper and Taniela Tupou, who are the only changes to the forward pack.
Loading
Saturday’s Test will be Michael Hooper’s 60th as captain, meaning he will surpass George Gregan as the most capped Wallabies skipper in history.
Rennie has gone with an unchanged back line, aside from White’s promotion.
Former Waratahs prop Tom Robertson returns to a Wallabies side for the first time since 2018 on a 5-3 bench that also features Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Bell, Darcy Swain, Pete Samu, McDermott, Reece Hodge and Jordan Petaia.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match of The Rugby Championship, continuing this Saturday with Wallabies v South Africa and Argentina v New Zealand. Both matches streaming live, ad-free and with extended coverage from 4.45pm AEST.









Add Category