Back to the future: Wallabies recall Matt Giteau and Co for South Africa clash

Australia went back to the future on Thursday when Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Greg Holmes and half-backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper were recalled to Wallabies colours for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa.

In his first team announcement for a home test, coach Michael Cheika also preferred Michael Hooper to David Pocock at openside flanker for Saturday’s match at Lang Park in Brisbane.

Giteau, who won his 92nd cap against Samoa in 2011, will line up at inside centre alongside Cooper, who last played for Australia with his Queensland Reds partner Genia on the tour of Europe in November 2013.

Prop Holmes, who looks set to get his first taste of international rugby in eight years, was named on the bench along with winger Mitchell, who made his 63rd appearance for his country against Wales in December 2012.

Giteau, 32, and Mitchell, who have both been in superb form for European champions Toulon, had their test careers revived after the Australian Rugby Union altered the rules on the eligibility of overseas-based players earlier this year.

Cooper and Giteau are likely to alternate as first receiver with the latter offering more assured game management to complement the Queensland fly-half’s attacking threat.

“With new combinations comes a new level of energy to our team environment and Will, Quade and Matt certainly bring that,” Cheika said.