Quade Cooper returns to the Wallabies starting side at fly-half on his home turf against the Springboks at Lang Park on Saturday.

Israel Folau has been switched to full-back replacing Jesse Mogg who drops back to the bench.

Cooper replaces Brumbies rookie Matt Toomua after starting on the bench in the past two Test losses against the All Blacks.

It will be the first time Cooper has worn the number 10 jersey since the Wallabies defeated South Africa and Argentina in back-to-back Tests last September.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he is anticipating the match against the Springboks will suit Cooper's game.

"Quade has been contributing well for us playing off the bench," McKenzie told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday.

"Looking at how I want to play this this game, he's ideally suited to start this game."

Cooper said his return to the starting side has shown that hard work pays off.

"You just have to continue to work hard," Cooper said.

"I've been in and around the team for a few weeks coming off the bench. Now that I've been given a role as starting number 10 it's very exciting but Matty [Toomua) and Foles [Bernard Foley] will continue to push each other for the position.'

"If you miss out you just have to continue to help out and push each other."

Folau to benefit from Springboks' kicking game

Sorry, this video has expired Cooper and Folau set for different roles against the Springboks

McKenzie said he expects the Springboks' dominant kicking game to play into the hands of Folau who is proving one of the most dangerous ball runners in rugby.

"With a player of his running ability the more times he touches the ball the better it is," McKenzie said.

"We think they'll kick a lot. So if they kick, he gets his hands on the ball and that is good.

"Maybe they won't kick as much, we'll see."

Folau has played his first five Tests for the Wallabies on the wing and isn't fazed by moving into the number 15 jersey where he played most of the Super Rugby season for the Waratahs.

"I think it will be easier to slot into the line at full-back but I don't see too much of a different role.

"I have a lot of good players around me who can help me."

In other changes Nick Cummins of the Western Force has been selected on the wing for his sixth Test for the Wallabies.

Sekope Kepu moves into the starting side at prop after starting the past five Tests on the bench.

Queensland's Jake Schatz has the opportunity to make his Wallabies debut after being selected on the bench.

Springboks wary of Cooper

The Springboks are bracing for a Queensland Reds-style attacking onslaught from the Wallabies on Saturday night.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer rated Australia's refined backline among the most dangerous his side has ever encountered.

Meyer predicted the Wallabies, who boast a 7-0 record over the 'Boks at Lang Park, would attempt to run his big forward pack off their feet in the Mandela Plate clash.

Those were Queensland's tactics against most South African Super Rugby sides under new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.

"The way the Reds played it was all full-out attack," Meyer said.

"You look at this team and it's a really full-on attack team.

"They know we have travelled so they will really try to run our forwards flat and tired.

"Without talking them up too much I think this is probably one of the best backlines we have faced, and not just this year."

Meyer expected his side would have to make 150-plus effective tackles - a huge number in Test rugby - to end its horrible Brisbane drought.

Under Robbie Deans the Wallabies played a more conservative style, but the 'Boks believe they thrive when Cooper is running and spreading the ball wide.

"They will play to their strengths and that has worked for them in the past," Meyer said.

"If you look at that backline they would be crazy not to move the ball around.

"That's where Australia has been at their best, if they play like that.

"Sooner or later they have to try that moving forward."

Cooper has showcased his best against South African rivals in Test and Super Rugby as his jinking running game and wide bullet pass has troubled their defenders.

He boasts a 7-2 record in nine Tests against the Boks, including five successes from his past five.

Like the Wallabies, South Africa has made three changes to its starting 15 as Meyer delivered on his promise to rotate key players following back-to-back wins over Argentina.

World-class hooker Bismarck du Plessis and lock Flip van der Merwe have been promoted to the tight-five.

While no-frills full-back Zane Kirchner is the only backline change. He steps in for Bjorn Basson with Willie le Rouz moving to the right wing and Bryan Habana switching to the left.

Wallabies (15 to 1): Israel Folau, Nick Cummins, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, James O'Connor, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore and James Slipper. Reserves: Saia Fainga, Scott Sio, Ben Alexander, Kane douglas, Jake Schatz, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Jesse Mogg.

Springboks (15 to 1): Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux, JJ Engelbrecht, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw, Flip van der Merwe, Eben Etzebeth, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Gurthro Steenkamp, Coenie Oosthuizen, Juandre Kruger, Siya Kolisi, Jano Vermaak, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein.

ABC/AAP