Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will become the 17th debutant under Joe Schmidt as the star recruit has been named in the centres for Sunday’s (AEDT) clash with England at Allianz Stadium (formally Twickenham).
It continues a rapid rise for the 21-year-old who joined the squad last month, linking up with Len Ikitau in the midfield.
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Ikitau will shift to inside centre for the first time at the international level, allowing Suaalii to take the outside centre position.
His inclusion is the lone change to the starting side from the second Bledisloe Cup side as Schmidt keeps faith in his combinations, starting with the front-row of Angus Bell, Matt Faessler and Taniela Tupou.
The Australians have resisted the temptation to throw former captain Will Skelton straight back into the mix, with Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams lining up in the second-row.
Defending John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini will continue to inch closer to the 50th Test mark in his 49th game in gold, with number eight Harry Wilson retaining the captaincy alongside Fraser McReight.
Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio retain their halves combination whilst Dylan Pietsch, Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright make up the back three.
Schmidt has made two changes to the replacements, with Wallaby Test cap record holder James Slipper back in the mix.
When he takes the field, Slipper will enter the top five for most Test caps ever with 141, tying Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll.
Meanwhile, Max Jorgensen returns to the 23 after overcoming an illness, serving as the backs replacements alongside Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott.
“The side has adjusted well to the travel and have had a couple of trainings up here to prepare for what will be a very tough challenge on Saturday,” Schmidt said in a statement.
“Playing in front of vocal home crowds in some of the most renowned Rugby stadiums in the world is an exciting prospect, with many of the players on their first Spring Tour.”
1. Angus Bell (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (12 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (56 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (21 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (8 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (48 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (22 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (19 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (27 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Dylan Pietsch (4 Tests) – Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (35 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii* – The Kings School
14. Andrew Kellaway (35 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (33 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (16 Tests) – Southern Districts
17. James Slipper (140 Tests)– Bond Pirates
18. Allan Alaalatoa (76 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests) - Randwick
20. Langi Gleeson (9 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (37 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (13 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Max Jorgensen (3 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
*denotes uncapped
