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Port Elizabeth: Kurtley Beale and Matt Toomua are set to be retained as Australia’s playmakers for the upcoming Test against South Africa in a clear sign coach Michael Cheika is sticking to his guns in the face of serious adversity.

The Wallabies team is not named until Thursday local time in South Africa but it is understood Cheika is leaning towards keeping Beale at No.10 and Toomua at No.12 for a match Australia will be desperate to win given their terrible form in 2018 thus far.

Building combinations: Kurtley Beale at Wallabies training. Credit:Marty Cambridge

While Beale has not set the world on fire in two appearances at five-eighth in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it looks likely Bernard Foley will continue warming the bench and wait until late in the second half to steer the side around, if given the chance.

“They’re three world-class players to be honest,” said Wallabies midfielder Reece Hodge. “A lot of their game is based on how well they communicate with the team and how well they direct the team around the paddock.