ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper has been picked to play his first Test in almost three years, giving him a shot at redemption after fearing controversy would end his international career.
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Slipper will start in the front row in the clash against South Africa at Ellis Park on Sunday morning in the Wallabies' first match of a World Cup year.
The 86-Test front-rower's selection draws a line under a turbulent period, which put him on the outer in Australian rugby circles after he twice tested positive to cocaine last year.
He joined the Brumbies for a fresh start and has thrived in a new environment to force his way back into Test calculations.
Slipper's return was one of several massive talking points in the Wallabies first team of the year, with just five Tests before the World Cup opener on September 21.
Tom Banks will get the first chance to replace Israel Folau at fullback, rewarded for his outstanding Brumbies season and shifting Dane Haylett-Petty to the wing.
Tevita Kuridrani will play his first Test in more than 12 months, Folau Faingaa is the starting hooker, Rory Arnold is in the second row and former Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White gets the No. 9 job.
Brumbies Christian Lealiifano (shoulder), Allan Alaalatoa (foot) and Scott Sio (adductor) were ruled out with injuries, while Rob Valetini has been sent back to Canberra and could play for Wests on Saturday.
Isi Naisarani will make his debut at No. 8 and NSW prop Harry Johnson-Holmes will get his first Test cap from the bench.
Slipper's return to the Wallabies starting XV is the next step in his battle with depression and after testing positive to illicit drugs.
"James has been outstanding all year in Super Rugby with the Brumbies and well and truly deserves his No. 1 spot," said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
"We wanted to reward some good form from Super Rugby and we had some injuries in the front row, so we had to make some changes."
The 30-year-old said he was the "happiest I've been in two years" after joining the Brumbies and it showed in his rugby.
BRUMBIES NEWS
Slipper formed a tag-team combination with Sio in Canberra this year and the pair will be vital to the Wallabies' hopes of success at the World Cup in Japan.
Slipper, however, has swatted away talk of a Wallabies return all year to focus on the Brumbies and finding his love of rugby again.
Banks is in the Wallabies starting XV for the first time after earning three caps off the bench last year.
He has perhaps the biggest challenge of all as the Wallabies begin their life after Folau, who was sacked earlier this year following homophobic posts on social media.
Banks, 25, has scored 18 tries in his 46 games, including six for the Brumbies this year.
He led the Brumbies in tackle busts, run metres and total runs in another positive step for his career.
The Brumbies run into the Super Rugby finals has boosted his World Cup hopes, getting the No. 15 jersey ahead of Kurtley Beale and Haylett-Petty.
"I don't think you could deny Tom Banks on his form from Super Rugby. It's pretty simple," Cheika said.
"He's been outstanding for the Brumbies and Beale has finished the season quite well and he has been outstanding in training. To have a guy that experienced finish the Test for us is going to be a big plus.
"Banks has earned his spot and I'm sure he's going to do well. He looks good.
"He reads the game well, he knows where he wants to pop up and attack from and he'll work hard in defence and across the field.
"The idea is for him to not make a lot of tackles obviously but he'll work in the back field. There is going to be a lot of kicking threats from South Africa."
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday: South Africa v Australia at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 1.05am.
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Nic White, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Reece Hodge, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Jordan uelese, 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Jack Dempsey, 21. Will Genia, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Kurtley Beale.
