Australia have named four new caps in their squad to play Ireland in Melbourne on Saturday, signalling the start of a new era under coach Robbie Deans.
New South Wales scrumhalf Luke Burgess and Queensland wing Peter Hynes were included in the starting side with Western Force centre Ryan Cross and Waratahs lock Dean Mumm on the bench.
Deans, recruited from New Zealand to help revive Australian rugby, said the selection process had been difficult but the team had ultimately been chosen on form.
"We said, when we selected our initial squad, that we saw all of the players as being ready to go, and our selection of four new caps today follows through on that philosophy," Deans explained.
"We've been impressed with the attitude and the enthusiasm that all of the players have brought into camp. It wasn't an easy side to pick."
Burgess, 24, takes over the scrumhalf role vacated by George Gregan after last year's disappointing World Cup campaign and Hynes beat off a host of challengers to join Lote Tuqiri on the wings in a new-look backline.
Matt Giteau moves to outhalf and Berrick Barnes, a revelation during the World Cup when given his chance, switches to inside centre and Cameron Shepherd takes over at fullback from Chris Latham.
Matt Dunning retained his place in the front row despite being heavily criticised for his performance in the World Cup quarter-final loss to England but moves from loosehead to tighthead.
Prop Benn Robinson replaced Guy Shepherdson in the front row and James Horwill joined Nathan Sharpe at lock in the absence of the injured Dan Vickerman.
Deans, meanwhile, is fully aware of the threat Ireland pose. Deans said he was extremely impressed with what he saw from the tourists against New Zealand last Saturday and that Australia will need to match their opponents physically if they are to claim victory.
"I was very impressed with the Irish, especially their physicality," Deans said. "They have really developed some frames over the last few years.
"They are a group that has played a lot of rugby together, in particular in the respective units of up front and down back and they bring with them a lot of mentality.
"It's their last game before a break so they are going to bring everything they have got and they will throw everything at us.
"They were pretty impressive around the contact last week and they will be pretty frustrated not to close that gate when it was possibly there to be done, so they will be looking to do that this weekend."
Australia: C Shepherd; P Hynes, S Mortlock (capt), B Barnes, L Tuqiri; M Giteau, L Burgess; B Robinson, S Moore, M Dunning; J Horwill, N Sharpe; R Elsom, G Smith, W Palu. Replacements: A Freier, A Baxter, D Mumm, P Waugh, S Cordingley, R Cross, A Ashley-Cooper.
