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SYDNEY - Phil Waugh was today named to captain the Wallabies against Wales in their opening test of the rugby World Cup year.
New South Wales skipper Waugh will start Saturday's test at Telstra Stadium here on the openside flank ahead of Australian Super 14 player of the year George Smith, despite missing most of the season with injury.
Smith, who is on the bench, was named as a vice-captain along with centre Stirling Mortlock.
Waugh only made his return in the Waratahs' last match of the Super 14 season after undergoing ankle surgery following an injury in round three.
Long-serving captain George Gregan finds himself on the reserve bench and without the leadership role as utility Matt Giteau starts at halfback.
Adam Ashley-Cooper gets his shot at the second five-eighth position with Julian Huxley making his debut at fullback and Drew Mitchell and Mark Gerrard on the wings.
In the pack, prop Matt Dunning gets a recall to join Al Baxter and hooker Stephen Moore in the front row.
Mark Chisholm partners Nathan Sharpe in the second row, with Wycliff Palu getting first crack at No 8 and Rocky Elsom the blindside flanker.
Lock Dan Vickerman will make his comeback via the bench after missing the entire Super 14 season with a back injury.
Australia
Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, Nathan Sharpe, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Adam Freier, Guy Shepherdson, Dan Vickerman, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, George Gregan, Scott Staniforth.
- AAP
