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