Dempsey gets the call to start for Wallabies
THIS time last year Jack Dempsey was playing his trade in the NRC for the Sydney Rays but he will make his run-on Test debut against South Africa on Saturday.
The elevation of Dempsey, who has played three Test off the bench for the Wallabies, is one of three changes to Michael Cheika’s starting XV to play South Africa at Bloemfontein's Toyota Stadium.
Rookie duo Izack Rodda and Marika Koroibete are also set for their first Test start as the Wallabies aim for just their second win in 54 years on South Africa's highveld.
Vice-captain Bernard Foley will earn his 50th Test cap, four years on from his debut against Argentina in Rosario in 2013.
The flyhalf is now the fourth-highest points scorer in Wallabies history (499) after overtaking former skipper Stirling Mortlock in his 15-point outing against Argentina in Canberra a fortnight ago.
Saturday night's clash could also mark a debut for Lukhan Tui, after the Queensland forward was named on an extended reserves bench.