Well travelled Waratahs hooker David Porecki will makes his Wallabies debut in a new look tight five to take on England in Perth on Saturday.
Porecki, 29, has edged out Folau Fainga’a to start in the front row while 33-year-old lock Cadeyrn Neville will become the third oldest Wallabies debutant since World War II.
Neville will partner Brumbies teammate Darcy Swain in the second row with Porecki packing down alongside Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa.
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Like Neville, Porecki’s story has been one of perseverance and a willingness to get out of his comfort zone.
He played just two minutes in his only game for the Waratahs in 2015 before jetting north in 2016 to take up contracts with Saracens and then London Irish.
Porecki returned home to Sydney in 2020 to chase the Wallabies dream.
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“Earning their first caps is a proud occasion for David, Cadeyrn and their families, with both men taking a unique journey to realise their dream of wearing the Wallabies jersey,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“The honour of representing our country is a massive motivating factor and we’ll be doing everything we can to put in a performance that makes all Australians proud.”
In other notable selections, the reborn Quade Cooper wins the No.10 jersey ahead of Noah Lolesio as James O’Connor continues his comeback from serious injury.
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There is also no room for fellow Reds star Harry Wilson in the back row, with Rob Leota starting at blindside flanker alongside Michael Hooper and Rob Valetini.
Jake Gordon is preferred to Tate McDermott as the impact halfback behind Nic White while Tom Banks retains the fullback jersey ahead of Jordan Petaia.
As expected, world class prop Taniela Tupou is not fit, ramping up the pressure on the Aussie forwards to withstand a powerful England pack under Eddie Jones.
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“The whole squad has worked hard over the past fortnight for what’s going to be a tough three Test series against a very good England side,” Rennie said.
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