Pocock to captain Australia

The flanker is deputising for lock James Horwill who is being rested this weekend after a tough World Cup and Super rugby campaign.

Coach Robbie Deans has moved the versatile James O'Connor into fly-half in place of Quade Cooper who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the World Cup third-place play-off win over Wales.

Berrick Barnes, who had been the other candidate to replace Cooper, starts at centre with Adam Ashley-Cooper taking the Number 15 shirt for what Deans expects to be a tough test.

"Their results against New Zealand and South Africa have shown what is possible, and what they can bring to the occasion," said Deans.

"They've got class players all over the field who will play without fear or inhibition. That is going to make them a very tough outfit to beat."

Australia: Ashley-Cooper, Turner, Horne, Barnes, Ioane, O'Connor, Genia; Slipper, Polota Nau, Ma'afu, Simmons, Sharpe, Higginbotham, Pocock, McCalman.

Replacements: Moore, Alexander, Horwill, Dennis, Hodgson, Phipps, Tapaui.