The Wallabies have been hard hit by no fewer than SIX injuries in the build-up to the opening Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 17:05 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1.

According to the Wallabies' official website, flyhalf-cum-centre Christian Leali’ifano in the biggest casualty and he will return to Australia to undergo injury rehabilitation on a shoulder.

He'll be joined on the flight by prop Scott Sio who has an adductor complaint.

In addition, wing Jack Maddocks and loose forward Rob Valetini have been released for club duties this weekend.

Tom Robertson suffered an ankle injury at training on Tuesday, ruling him out of action for not only this weekend, but next weekend's clash against Argentina in Brisbane.

Lastly, wing Marika Koroibete will also be returning Down Under to be with his family after the birth of his second child.

Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes will join the squad in Johannesburg.

Australia squad:

Forwards

Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga'a, Michael Hooper (captain), Harry Johnson-Holmes, Luke Jones, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi Naisarani, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Liam Wright

Backs

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, James O'Connor, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua, Nic White