Palu will make his Tri-Nations debut in Sydney

Australia coach John Connolly has made two changes to his side for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against South Africa.

Flanker Wycliff Palu will make his first start at number eight instead of Scott Fava, while Tai McIsaac comes in at hooker in place of Jeremy Paul.

Connolly said: "Palu is a huge man with a lot of potential and he gives us another strong ball-carrying option.

"There's still a possibility that if various results go our way that we can win the Tri Nations."

But Connolly admits the Wallabies could find it hard to bounce back from their 13-9 defeat by the All Blacks last Saturday.

Connolly said. "The match against New Zealand took a lot out of the players both physically and mentally.

"It's a big challenge for them to get up for a test against South Africa with such a short turnaround."

Flanker Phil Waugh, hoping for a recall after six successive Tests as a replacement, again has to settle for a place on the bench, from where he is set to win his 50th cap.

Meanwhile, Connolly is already thinking further ahead towards next year's World Cup.

The head coach has reportedly discussed with George Gregan the possibility of his veteran captain sitting out this November's tour of Europe to allow him to give other scrum-halves more Test experience.

Gregan, the most capped player in history with 124 caps, equalled John Eales' record for the most number of games (55) as Australia captain last Saturday.

Wallabies spokesperson Michael Earsman said: "He (Connolly) had one conversation with him regarding that, to gauge his thoughts on resting. It is at a very preliminary stage."

Australia: Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain); Greg Holmes, Tai McIsaac, Rodney Blake, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Reserves: Jeremy Paul, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone.