Christian Lealiifano and Wycliff Palu have both been left out of the Wallabies 31-man squad ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks next Saturday.

After a week of training on the Sunshine Coast, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika also sent home Dave Dennis, James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Samu Kerevi, Toby Smith, Henry Speight and Nic White.

“There were obviously some really tough calls to make. The players who have not been named in this 31-man squad will still remain part of the group and will continue to contribute. We have also taken the opportunity to rest players, as we know it is going to be a long international season,” Cheika said.

“I have had a good chance to test some combinations and see some players in a high intensity environment. It’s given me great confidence knowing we’re establishing some depth in key positions.”

The Wallabies squad moves to Brisbane on Sunday as preparations ramp up ahead of next Saturday’s clash with South Africa.

Wallabies: Rory Arnold, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, , Scott Fardy, , Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, , Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Stephen Moore, Drew Mitchell, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Dean Mumm, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane.