Australia were dealt a blow on the eve of their Rugby Championship clash with South Africa as David Pocock was withdrawn from the team due to a neck injury.

Pocock, 30, suffered the injury during the Wallabies' loss to New Zealand in Auckland on August 25.

His withdrawal was confirmed by Australia on Friday, a day before their meeting with the Springboks in Brisbane.

Pete Samu will make his first Test start as Pocock's replacement at number eight.

The Wallabies are bottom of the Rugby Championship after two heavy losses to the All Blacks.

Australia: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Kurtley Beale, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Tui, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu.
Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Ned Hanigan, Joe Powell, Bernard Foley, Jack Maddocks.