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EDINBURGH - Australia will field their fifth different midfield pairing in five tests after Scott Staniforth gained a Wallabies recall for the European tour-ending test against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday (NZ time).
Staniforth will partner skipper Stirling Mortlock in the midfield after coach John Connolly decided on changes following the 6-21 loss to Ireland last weekend.
Staniforth's inclusion for his sixth test in seven years is among six changes to the starting 15 as Connolly strives to avoid successive losses to end his first year in charge.
In the only backline alteration, Mortlock returns to his favoured centre position to accommodate Staniforth, with Lote Tuqiri back on the wing and Clyde Rathbone dropped after failing to score in his last 12 tests.
A new-look Australian forward pack will face a Scottish side not to be underestimated after going unbeaten in five tests at home in 2006.
Hooker Stephen Moore and prop Benn Robinson have gained starts in the front row alongside Guy Shepherdson, with Tai McIsaac and Al Baxter relegated to the bench.
Al Campbell has replaced Mark Chisholm at lock, David Lyons will take over at No 8 as Wycliff Palu struggles with a shoulder injury, while George Smith is back at openside flanker with Phil Waugh on the bench.
Connolly said the selectors always planned to start Smith and Waugh in two tests each on tour and that their constant rotation was "not a form issue".
Hooker Totafu Polota-Nau has won a place on the bench after working tirelessly all tour with forwards coaches Michael Foley and Alex Evans on rectifying his wayward lineout throwing.
"He is just something special," Connolly said.
"It's the risk you take, but his lineout throws have improved. Since day one, with Alex and Foles, he's worked tremendously hard.
"If he keeps improving ... he's got something special."
Staniforth's selection -- seven years after his first -- caps a renaissance season for the 29-year-old.
After eight seasons with the Waratahs, the converted winger only returned to Australia from London Irish to be closer to family after he and wife Emma had their third child.
He ended up as the Western Force's Super 14 player of the year after proving a revelation in the midfield.
He also finished as Australia's leading tryscorer in the Super 14 with nine.
The Wallabies have not lost to the Scots since 1970 but, despite their relative low ranking at No 8 in the world, they boast outstanding form at Murrayfield this year and will certainly be no pushovers.
Scotland's scalps include France and England in the Six Nations, as well as Italy in Rome, and they only suffered narrow defeats against Ireland in Dublin and Wales in Cardiff.
The Scots are fresh off a confidence-boosting 34-22 victory over the Pacific Islanders last weekend.
Australia:
Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau, David Lyons, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Al Campbell, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves:
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu or Stephen Hoiles, Josh Valentine, Mat Rogers (one to be omitted).
- AAP
