Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has taken the conservative approach to Wednesday's opening Test against France, surrounding young five-eighth Noah Lolesio with as much experience as possible.
After senior playmakers Nic White and James O'Connor were scrubbed out with injury, Rennie named Waratahs captain Jake Gordon and Rebels skipper Matt To'omua to start either side of Lolesio at Suncorp Stadium.
Experience also won out in other tight selection calls, with Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa edging Taniela Tupou at tighthead prop, James Slipper ahead of Angus Bell on the loosehead side and reliable lock Matt Philip getting the nod ahead of Darcy Swain after returning from France.
Rennie will however, ask a fresh-faced bench to provide plenty of energy with four uncapped players picked in the reserves.
They are Brumbies trio Swain, Lachlan Lonergan and Len Ikitau as well as Rebels outside back Andrew Kellaway.
"The whole squad has been training really hard over the past three weeks to prepare for what's going to be an exciting, tough series against the French," Rennie said.
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"We've always selected a side based on earning the right to wear the jersey and this team is no different.
"The whole group is excited to be back playing Test rugby in front of our families and supporters and we're looking to start the year with a positive result at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night."
France named two uncapped players in their starting XV with five more on the bench.
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