Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has sprung a major selection shock, recalling enigmatic playmaker Quade Cooper as one of six changes for the Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland.

Cooper replaces Bernard Foley at fly-half following the Waratahs five-eighth's indifferent display in Sydney last week; he is joined in the starting side by Brumbies scrum-half Nic White who replaces Nick Phipps at No.9. There are two further changes to the backline with Matt Toomua coming in at inside-centre for Matt Giteau and Henry Speight earning a first Test start for 2015 on the wing in place of Drew Mitchell.

Cheika has also reshuffled his pack with veteran No.8 Wycliff Palu replacing David Pocock in the back-row and Will Skelton returning in the second-row at the expense of Dean Mumm. Rge Waratahs veteran is joined on the bench by former NSW team-mate Kane Douglas who returned to Australia following his release from Irish club Leinster.

Cheika made no mention of Cooper's inclusion in the press release that accompanied the team naming, preferring to focus on those players making their first Test starts of 2015.

"We know this week will be another huge challenge for the team and our biggest test to date, and we need to improve again on what we've produced in our previous matches.

"Wycliff, Henry and Kane have all worked hard for this opportunity and have brought a lot of energy to the group this week."

As for the deconstruction of the successful Michael Hooper-David Pocock partnership, Cheika said he had no doubt the Brumbies back-rower would come on and help close the game out in what will be his 50th Test appearance.

"David has had to overcome some hurdles with regards to injury to reach this milestone but the way in which he's got there through perseverance and a lot of hard work and patience is a great measure of his character," he said.

"He has been one of our best players this season, and the respect he commands from his teammates and peers is a testament to the way he approaches the game. He knows that he will play a pivotal part in closing the match on Saturday night, and I expect he will put in a performance that all of Australia will be proud of."

Australia: Israel Folau, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Quade Cooper, Nic White; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Kane Douglas, David Pocock, Matt Giteau, Kurtley Beale.

Quade Cooper has the chance to exorcise his Eden Park demons © Getty Images

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