Queensland flanker set for Test start

Barnstorming loose forward Scott Higginbotham will make his first Test start after being named as No?8 for Australia for their Tri-Nations clash against World Cup champions South Africa tomorrow.

Higginbotham, who plays blindside flanker for Super rugby's Queensland Reds, was impressive off the bench during the Wallabies' 30-14 loss to the All Blacks last week.

"Scott has made a genuine impact in each of his test outings to date this year," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said. "And we'll be looking for him to do the same from the start this week."

Higginbotham is one of two changes to the starting side that was comprehensively outplayed at Eden Park. Nathan Sharpe returns to the second row with James Horwill, replacing Rob Simmons, in the other change.

South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez and flanker Heinrich Brussow will make their first Test match appearances in 21 months. The pair are two of 13 changes to the Springboks' starting line-up from last month's 40-7 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington. Francois Steyn, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha are all included.