Huxley in Wallabies' side

Julian Huxley has been named at full-back for Australia in Saturday’s Test against Wales at Telstra Stadium, while George Smith and George Gregan will start on the reserves bench.

In a somewhat experimental line-up for the opening Test of the year, Wallabies coach John Connolly has decided to recall Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Matt Dunning to the starting XV after two-year absences.

Huxley gets his chance to prove his credentials in the absence of the injured Chris Latham, while Phil Waugh will be captain with Stirling Mortlock and Smith vice-captains.

Dunning, Stephen Moore and Al Baxter make up the front row, with Mark Chisholm named alongside Nathan Sharpe at lock.

Dan Vickerman, recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, will come off the bench. Waugh and Rocky Elsom are the flankers with Wycliff Palu at number eight.

Matt Giteau remains at half-back, keeping out Gregan, while Stephen Larkham is at fly-half.

Ashley-Cooper plays in the unfamiliar position of inside centre, with Mark Gerrard and Drew Mitchell on the wings and Mortlock at outside centre.

“The squad they (Wales) 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,” Connolly said.

“We’re expecting a very competitive Test which will give us a good starting point for the season and help us understand where we’re at as a team.”

Australia team: Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Rocky Elsom, Phil Waugh (c), Wycliff Palu, Matt Giteau, Stephen Larkham, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard, Julian Huxley

Reserves: Adam Freier, Guy Shepherdson, Dan Vickerman, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, George Gregan, Scott Staniforth