The Brumbies' Stirling Mortlock is fast becoming the Mr Fixit of Australia rugby after winning selection at inside-centre for the Wallabies' clash against a Japanese Presidents XV, in Tokyo, on Saturday.
The game acts a quick stopover before the Wallabies head to Europe to meet France, Scotland and England and Mortlock's selection at inside-centre for Saturday's game could be a sign of the future as the Wallabies look to replace Tim Horan and Jason Little.
Coach Rod Macqueen has hinted that Saturday's team will have the inside running for the upcoming Tests. Mortlock had an outstanding Super 12 season for the Brumbies at outside-centre, but was switched to wing in an equally successful debut year for the Wallabies.
Mortlock will link with Brumbies' team-mate Rod Kafer, who beat Queensland's Elton Flatley into flyhalf, and new Australian vice-captain Daniel Herbert at inside-centre.
Mortlock's switch to the midfield opens the way for former fullback Matt Burke to make his first return to the Wallaby side since the World Cup final 12 months ago on the wing. Burke has edged out Queensland flyer Ben Tune, who will start on the bench, but there was no budging Players' Player Chris Latham from fullback.
Despite becoming the fastest Australian to reach 100 Test points this year, Mortlock is likely to return the kicking duties to Burke.
Queensland halfback Sam Cordingley has beaten the Waratahs' Chris Whittaker as replacement for the inured George Gregan at halfback.
In the pack, ACT loosehead Bill Young has first crack at the position vacated by Richard Harry, while the Brumbies' Jim Williams moves from No.8 to David Wilson's vacant openside flanker position. Queensland No.8 Toutai Kefu will start at the back of the scrum with Queensland flanker Matt Cockbain at blindside flanker.
"I think this is an indication of the way the selectors are feeling at the moment," Macqueen said. "There's no doubt it's going to be a tough few weeks so we have to get the right team in and stick to it.
"As much as possible we're going to play our team because we're not going to get much leniency in Stade de France. Realistically we're looking at a new era with the side. We're trying out new combinations.
"There's a bit of a changing of the guard and that makes for an exciting time."
AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham, Matt Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock, Joe Roff, Rod Kafer, Sam Cordingley, Toutai Kefu, Jim Williams, Matt Cockbain, John Eales (Capt), David Giffin, Fletcher Dyson, Michael Foley, Bill Young. Res: Jeremy Paul, Glenn Panoho, Mark Connors, George Smith, Chris Whitaker, Elton Flatley, Ben Tune, Nathan Grey.