Ewen McKenzie has conceded the Wallabies are still searching for a winning back-line combination after a disappointing start to the Rugby Championship.
From Bernard Foley and Nic White, through Kurtley Beale and White, and back to Foley with Nick Phipps - that's just this year - McKenzie will pit against the Springboks an attacking halves combination that went all the way for the Waratahs this year. The midfield will be thick with starch in the form of Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani.
As the Wallabies coach was at pains to point out on Tuesday: "It's not Kurtley Beale's fault.
"We've made other changes, we're still looking for the best combination. We've still got the same squad, we're still investing in the same 23, effectively bar injuries.
"We still believe we've got the right group of players, how we use them varies depending on who we think should start and who we think should finish."
The Phipps-Foley partnership was the first one that produced a try in two Bledisloe Cup Tests. After a season in the best form of his career and that assured 30-minute contribution in the Wallabies' dire loss in Auckland, Phipps has earned his first start in the Ewen McKenzie era.
"Phipps has been one of the form players of the year, as has Nic White, so that was a difficult selection there, but they've both been in good form," McKenzie said.
Kuridrani's return has moved Adam Ashley-Cooper back out to the wing, with Rob Horne and fullback Israel Folau rounding out a NSW back three. McKenzie said the combinations were a bonus and not by design.
"We've effectively ended up with NSW halves, a Brumbies midfield, and NSW outside backs, so there's something there, but that's just the way it's unfolded," he said.
"Phipps has played really well this year. At times he's played like an extra forward. He's the second highest tackler for the Waratahs this season, so he brings a lot. He's got unbridled enthusiasm, and his talk on the field is second to none.
"This game is going to be tough up front, and tough around the edges of the rucks. They get good line speed and good momentum with their ball carriers. He'll be good at organising and having to pitch in in defence. And he doesn't mind taking the ball forward, all good attributes for this game."
After taking the bitter pill of his benching with dignity three weeks ago, Foley said he was happy to be back in the No.10 jersey.
"Off the back end of it all it definitely was something to swallow," he said.
"But it's something you do in a day or two and you get over it. You're still representing your country, you're on the bench and you still have a job to do. You're playing in a Bledisloe in Sydney, which was very exciting.
"There was a bit of disappointment there for a second, as every player would [feel] when they get dropped, but then I focused on my role, digested it and looked forward to it."
The Springboks do not name their side until Wednesday, but Foley surmised he would be up against Morne Steyn on Saturday, with rookie Handre Pollard expected to make way for the 58-Test five-eighth.
With Beale and White now coming off the bench, Foley will be shouldering most if not all of the goal-kicking. Toomua will also be an option for the longer range attempts.
But Foley's 43-metre penalty goal to win the Super Rugby final will give him and the Wallabies' coaching staff a reserve of confidence they may need on Saturday night.
"It reinforces that in the big moments I can keep stepping up," he said.
"It's not always going to be the case, there'll be times when it doesn't go over and everyone shoots you. But it does reinforce that in the big moments you can rely on what you've done in the past ... you can live in the moment."
Wallabies team:
James Slipper, James Hanson, Sekope Kepu, Sam Carter, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper (c), Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau. Reserves: Saia Fainga'a, Pek Cowan, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Nic White, Kurtley Beale.
