David Pocock

Folau, a fundamentalist Christian, caused a stir earlier this year when he responded to a question on social media with the assertion that homosexuals were destined for "hell" if they did not "repent".

Pocock, meanwhile, was an outspoken advocate for equal marriage rights for same sex couples ahead of last year's Australian referendum on the matter and has in the past called out homophobic abuse on the field of play.

The 29-year-old flanker, who missed the best part of two seasons with knee injuries in 2013 and 2014, picked up the latest problem while playing in Japan after being given the year off from Super Rugby and tests to pursue his own interests.

Pocock is likely to miss at least four rounds of the Super Rugby season, which gets underway with an all-South Africa round on February 17th.

Pocock starts at number eight with Hooper at seven - just as they did in the win over New Zealand in August.

Toulon's Matt Giteau, who is available after the Australian Rugby Union relaxed rules over overseas-based players in April, starts at centre.

Will Genia is preferred to Nick Phipps at scrum-half and wins his 61st cap.