Allrounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa because of a calf muscle injury.

He has been replaced in the No.3 batting spot by Victorian Rob Quiney.

Watson aggravated the injury while bowling for NSW in a Sheffield Shield clash on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Quiney is primed for a Test debut at the Gabba with Watson considered highly unlikely to recover from a calf strain.

Quiney made an impressive 85 and unbeaten 11 for Australia A against South Africa at the SCG, successfully standing up to Proteas speedster Dale Steyn during a fiery onslaught.

The popular Bushrangers opening batsman arrived in the Australian camp in Brisbane on Sunday night and said he was yet to hear if he would be required when the Test gets under way on Friday.

With Ed Cowan and David Warner set to open against the world No.1-ranked Test nation, Quiney said he expected he would replace Watson at three in the batting order.

"I guess so, yes, but it doesn't faze me too much because in the past I've filled holes in Victoria in a lot of different positions in the batting order," Quiney said.

Late bloomer, who averages 37.7 in a first-class career which began only in 2007, Quiney rated South Africa's attack as formidable even in conditions that didn't suit their bowlers.

"It's a great attack," he said.

"The wicket wasn't really conducive to their bowling but they ramped it up and Dale Steyn bowled a fiery spell at us which was a sign of things to come so it will be a good challenge."