Overview

• Rugby Australia has officially removed the Giteau Law, granting head coach Joe Schmidt unfettered access to overseas-based Wallabies for The Rugby Championship.
• The 35-man squad departed Sydney for South Africa on August 9 in preparation for opening Tests at Ellis Park on August 16 and Cape Town Stadium on August 23.
• Schmidt confirmed that Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou have overcome injury setbacks and are in contention to start against the Springboks.
• Concussion protocols protect young halfback Tom Lynagh, and prop Allan Alaalatoa continues conservative rehab on his shoulder while remaining under review.
• The Wallabies aim to build on their narrow series loss to the British & Irish Lions as they chase valuable ranking points ahead of matches against Argentina and New Zealand.