The return of brilliant winger Lote Tuqiri heads a comprehensive list of changes for Australia ahead of their rugby Test against Fiji on Saturday.
As he searches for his best World Cup and Tri-Nations combination, Wallabies coach Jon Connolly retained just five of his starting 15 from their 31-0 win over Wales last Saturday.
Only Stephen Larkham, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Julian Huxley and Dan Vickerman held their spots in the starting line-up.
The explosive Tuqiri returns on right wing after undertaking a four-week fitness programme designed to enhance his speed and will be making his first appearance for the Wallabies this year, while feisty veteran George Gregan will be the starting scrumhalf for the first time in 2007.
Sam Cordingley was called up to the bench to support Gregan after Matt Giteau was ruled out with a minor knee injury.
Local favourite Scott Staniforth, who represents the Western Force in Super 14, was recalled at inside centre and will play his first Test on home soil.
Queensland 22-year-old lock James Horwill was named alongside Vickerman in the second row and will become the fourth Wallaby to debut this season.
Waratah Adam Freier will make his first start at hooker since June last year, while ACT Brumbies second rower Mark Chisholm was named at blindside flanker and David Lyons has been awarded his first opportunity for the year at number eight.
Speaking here on Wednesday, Connolly said Tuqiri, who considered a return to rugby league before sticking with the Wallabies, was in good shape for his return.
”I think he is keen to go,” Connolly said.
”He had a big year last year and he felt a lot of pressure with contract negotiations and pressure during the Super 14s.
”With these three or four weeks off, he’s sharpened up and he’s keen to go. He’s worked twice a day and done very well — he’s very important to us.”
Tuqiri moves to the right wing, to allow Drew Mitchell to play on the left.
Connolly said it was important Larkham and Gregan played together, but doubted the flyhalf would play the full game.
”It was Stephen’s first game back last week for quite a while,” he said. ”You wouldn’t anticipate him playing the full game.”
Connolly said it was a perfect opportunity to rest veteran Nathan Sharpe and give Horwill his chance.
”We think he is a fine young player,” he said.
”Sharpey has had a big Super 14 and played well in the previous two Tests.
”It is a good opportunity for James — he is a tough bugger and a good player with a big future.”
Connolly admitted he knew little about the Fijians, with the two sides meeting for the first time since 1998. — Sapa-AFP
Australia: Julian Huxley; Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan; David Lyons, Phil Waugh (captain), Mark Chisholm; Dan Vickerman, James Horwill; Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Sam Norton-Knight, Stirling Mortlock.