Australia co-captain Slipper cleared to face Boks

PRETORIA : Australia co-captain James Slipper has come through training unscathed and will take his place in the front row against South Africa in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Prop Slipper had been an injury doubt after a knee problem in the week, which prompted Australia to rush Brumbies rookie Blake Schoupp to South Africa as cover for their front-row options.

Slipper said on Thursday he was “confident” he would play, but admitted he still had to prove his fitness. Australia officials have confirmed he has now been given the all clear.

Replacement loose-forward Pete Samu said the side were raring to go after an intensive few weeks of training under new coach Eddie Jones.

“The last couple of weeks we have been together, there has been a lot of detail,” Samu told reporters on Friday. “We have now shifted our mindset to the test tomorrow, making sure we are getting all those details right.

“It is a new squad and a new staff, and everyone is focused on the task on hand. We are going well and raring to go.”

Australia are seeking a first win in Pretoria having lost on all six previous visits. They have not won a test anywhere in South Africa since 2011.