Several high-profile Australian rugby players will be rested for this weekend's Test against Samoa but captain Rocky Elsom will make his long-awaited return from injury for the season-opener.
ACT Brumbies flanker Elsom will lead the Wallabies out in Sydney for what will be just his second appearance since Australia's tour finale against France last November, after he suffered hamstring and ankle injuries.
Four uncapped players have been named in the team, which sees Queensland Reds stars including James Horwill and Quade Cooper rested ahead of the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa later this month.
The Reds stormed to victory against the Canterbury Crusaders 18-15 in the Super 15 finals last weekend.
Winger Digby Ioane was the only Red named in Sunday's starting XV - his first appearance for the national squad since a season-ending shoulder injury against England last June. Four Queenslanders will open on the bench.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the squad had a hectic lead-up to October's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and now was the last real chance to rest players.
"We assessed all of the Queensland guys when they joined us on Monday night and decided this was the best course for us," said Deans.
"They've had a big workload already this year. Given that our schedule is so congested, with five Test matches in seven weeks, we felt that now was realistically the only opportunity we had to give them a break.
"They'll get their opportunity, they're excited, and I know they will all contribute when we call on them."
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