Deans confident changes will work for Aussies.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans is confident his side can incorporate the five changes he has made to his starting XV and beat South Africa at Ellis Park today.

The game means nothing with the Tri Nations trophy to be decided when the Wallabies host New Zealand in Brisbane on September 13.

Australia have also wrapped up the Mandela Shield with wins in Perth and last weekend's 27-15 triumph in Durban.

That victory has opened the path for the Australians to claim their first back-to-back wins in South Africa since 1963 - coincidentally the one and only time they have won at Ellis Park in nine visits.

Deans has brought in Timana Tahu to make his first start for the Wallabies, full-back Adam Ashley-Cooper returns from a broken hand to regain his position from Drew Mitchell, while Hugh McMeniman returns in the second row for the injured Daniel Vickerman.

The only two changes not enforced by injury see Phil Waugh and Tatafu Polota-Nau come in for George Smith and Stephen Moore respectively.

"They're the two unforced changes and the motivation behind them is they'll bring a real enthusiasm and an injection of energy that will probably not only be required but good for us," Deans said.

"We've managed their team volume and we are happy with the way the preparation has gone and it's just a matter of turning that into something that's evident on the day."