NSW Waratahs halfback Jake Gordon and Queensland Reds flyer Jordan Petaia will make their Wallabies debuts against Italy in Padova on Saturday (Sunday 0100 AEDT).
In an effort to shake up his struggling attack following last week’s dismal 9-6 defeat in Cardiff, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has opted to select the free-running Gordon ahead of Will Genia’s usual deputy Nick Phipps.
The selection of Petaia rounds off a remarkable year for the youngster, who was just finishing high school this time last year.
He only made his Super Rugby debut midway through this season and impressed hugely for Queensland Country against NSW Country to book his spot on the plane to Europe.
In total, Cheika has made six changes from the Cardiff loss with Matt Toomua starting at five-eighth for the first time in five years and Bernard Foley switching to inside centre.
Folau Fainga’a returns at hooker in place of Tolu Latu with Taniela Tupou named at prop ahead of Allan Alaalatoa.
Israel Folau moves from the wing to fullback with Dane Haylett-Petty dropped to the bench.
Veteran utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper, who played in the Wallabies last match in Padova a decade ago, will make his first Test appearance in two years.
It will be the 117th time Ashley-Cooper has donned Australian colours and he will leapfrog Nathan Sharpe as the third most-capped Wallabies player.
Wallabies: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Samu Kerevi, Bernard Foley, Jordan Petaia, Matt Toomua, Jake Gordon, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a, Taniel Tupou. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jermaine Ainsley, Sekope Kepu, Rory Arnold, Pete Samu, Will Genia, Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty.