1 Jun 2010

Up to five players to make test debuts for Wallabies

5:53 pm on 1 June 2010

Up to five players could make their test debuts in the Australian rugby sides opening test of the year against Fiji in Canberra on Saturday.

Front rowers Salesi Ma'afu and Huia Edmonds and centre Rob Horne have been named in the starting fifteen while flanker Matt Hodgson and hooker Saia Faingaa are in the reserves.

Queensland's Quade Cooper has been named at first five with Matt Giteau moved to second five, swapping positions from Australia's last Test against Wales.

Luke Burgess has beaten Josh Valentine to the halfback spot left vacant by injury to Will Genia.

Utility back Kurtley Beale has been named at fullback with Adam Ashley-Cooper forced out to the wing.

The selectors opted for Force No.8 Richard Brown to replace the injured Wycliff Palu.

The duo of prop Ma'afu and hooker Edmonds will line-up in a all-Brumbies front row alongside Ben Alexander, who moves to his more familiar loosehead position after finishing the last international campaign at tighthead.

Rocky Elsom will captain the side at home for the first time in what will be his 50th Test.