Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named his side to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, recalling David Porecki after almost 650 days out of the Test arena.
Porecki pulls on the gold jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, starting at hooker.
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Schmidt has opted for an experienced prop duo of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Angus Bell on the bench.
Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams combine in the second-row once again, with Langi Gleeson slotting into the back-row.
Gleeson will play blindside flanker, allowing skipper Harry Wilson to stay at number eight alongside Reds teammate Fraser McReight.
Tate McDermott will start at scrumhalf following his strong Super Rugby season, with Noah Lolesio retaining his spot at flyhalf.
This leaves local product Nic White and Force teammate Ben Donaldson to finish the games in the halves.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii earns his first Wallabies start on home soil, combining with Len Ikitau in the centres.
Suaalii will line up at outside centre after spending the Super Rugby season at fullback, with Ikitau reverting to the number 12 jersey.
Harry Potter will also play his first Test in Australia, having debuted on the Spring Tour, with Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright rounding out the starting side.
ACT Brumbies duo Billy Pollard and Tom Hooper are among the forwards replacements, with Carlo Tizzano also rewarded for his excellent season.
“The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji,” Schmidt said.
“I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule.”
The Wallabies will wear their First Nations jersey in their first Test of 2025, with Sunday also signifying the start of NAIDOC week.
1. James Slipper (143 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (19 Tests) – #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Allan Alaalatoa (80 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (25 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (10 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Langi Gleeson (14 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins
7. Fraser McReight (25 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (22 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (41 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
10. Noah Lolesio (29 Tests) – #934; Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Max Jorgensen (7 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
12. Len Ikitau (39 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (4 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Harry Potter (2 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
15. Tom Wright (37 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (6 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (36 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby
18. Zane Nonggorr (10 Tests) – #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Tom Hooper (10 Tests) – #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Carlo Tizzano (5 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
21. Nic White (71 Tests) – #875; Maitland Blacks
22. Ben Donaldson (16 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Filipo Daugunu (11 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
