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Dependable utility Reece Hodge wonders what it might take to crack a starting role in a Wallabies team he says is guilty of not learning from mistakes.

A candid Reece Hodge wonders what he needs to do to become a regular starter in a Wallabies team he concedes are giving off Groundhog Day vibes.

The Australians play South Africa on the Gold Coast on Sunday for the first time since the Springboks won the World Cup in 2019.

Fresh off hotel quarantine, South Africa arrive after impressive series wins against the British and Irish Lions and Argentina, while three consecutive losses to New Zealand is hardly the form line Dave Rennie's men would like to boast.

Utility back Hodge, who could be used on the wing or in the No.10 or No.15 jersey at Cbus Super Stadium, was refreshingly honest when asked what needed to change for them to challenge the in-form side.

"We were kind of reviewing a lot of the same things that we have after game one and game two," Hodge said of the fall-out from their loss in Perth on Sunday.

"I'm sure the fans have a sense of Groundhog Day as well and it's definitely the feeling within the group.

"We need to win (to break it) but it's hard to give you one thing we're going to work on ... I feel we need to improve quite a few parts of our game to match it.

"There's been enough talk in the squad ... it's time for action now."

Hodge couldn't help it when asked of his own Wallabies fortunes, in line for a 50th cap this weekend despite never owning a position in the starting line-up.

"Speaking of Groundhog Day," he said wryly.

"I don't know. It's a question I'm constantly asked and don't know how to answer it to be honest."

He returned from injury to replace Filipo Daugunu when the winger broke his arm in the opening exchanges of their final Test against the French and was impressive as a playmaker off the bench on Sunday.

He is also proven at fullback and with Tom Banks and five-eighth Noah Lolesio both under pressure - and fellow playmaker James O'Connor potentially still out with a groin injury - Hodge could find a place in Rennie's 15 this weekend.

"I'm happy to fill that utility role ... (but) whether that's 10, 15, anywhere really, you want to be playing as many minutes as possible for your country," he said.

"Hopefully I can just make the most of any minutes I've got over the last few games and just keep pushing for that starting team."