Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper returns as Eddie Jones named four debutants for the 2023 Rugby Championship opener between the Wallabies and Springboks on Saturday.

Cooper makes his comeback from a long-term injury, after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Australians’ win against Argentina in the 2022 edition of the competition.

He will partner scrumhalf Nic White in a veteran half-back pairing in Pretoria this weekend.

Brumbies loose forward Tom Hooper headlines the new selections, and will partner co-captain Michael Hooper and club teammate Rob Valetini after impressing with a strong finish to the Super Rugby season.

Hooper is one of four fresh faces, with Carter Gordon, Richie Arnold and Zane Nonggorr set to come off the bench. Gordon has been the form player of Super Rugby Pacific in 2023.

MORE: Wallabies to boot Boks at Loftus

French-based lock Will Skelton will partner Nick Frost, with Arnold set to finish the game while Nonggorr earns his spot as Taniela Tupou continues his recovery from injury.

Meanwhile, Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu will get his debut start on the wing. Vunivalu will join fellow league convert Marika Koroibete and Tom Wright in the back three, having debuted off the bench against Jones’ England last July.

Reece Hodge will start at inside centre along with Len Ikitau, with Samu Kerevi coming off the bench as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Skipper James Slipper has overcome a knock and will start at loosehead prop, with Waratahs hooker David Porecki and Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa completing the front row.

“As a squad, the players have worked extremely hard since coming together as a group and we’ve prepared well this week,” Jones said.

“The 23 players selected have an opportunity to be part of history with a win over South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday night.”