KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Julian Huxley will make his debut at fullback and Phil Waugh captains the Wallabies in the first test against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.
Huxley lines up alongside wingers Mark Gerrard and Drew Mitchell, with vice-captain Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper forming a new-look centre pairing in the side named by coach John Connolly yesterday. Mitchell, Ashley-Cooper and prop Matt Dunning make their first Wallabies appearances since 2005, and Matt Giteau continues at halfback after his sparkling form on the tour of Europe last year.
Former captain George Gregan is on the replacements' bench with flanker Waugh taking the skipper's armband after shaking off injury.
"There was a lot of discussion about building the depth and making sure we are peaking for the World Cup," said Connolly.
"Winning test matches is the key whether the World Cup's around the corner or not, but also paying respect to the jersey so that it doesn't become a revolving door."
Connolly is not underestimating a Wales team missing several first-choice regulars. "The squad they have brought out is different to their Six Nations squad but they have added 200 caps of test experience and will field a very strong team on Saturday night," he said.
"We're expecting a very competitive test, which will give us a good starting point for the season."
Utility forward Mark Chisholm partners Nathan Sharpe in the second row, with Dan Vickerman starting on the bench as he continues his comeback from injury.
Wycliff Palu won a tight battle for the No 8 spot and Rocky Elsom was selected at blindside flanker with George Smith on the bench and named as joint vice-captain with Mortlock.
- REUTERS
