Karmichael Hunt will make his Australia rugby union debut against Fiji on Saturday.
Former rugby league international and Australian Rules football player Hunt will start at inside centre in a team that includes another three-sports star, full-back Israel Folau, and a new captain.
Flanker Michael Hooper takes over the armband from hooker Stephen Moore, who is only named among Cheika's replacements - Moore's place in the pack goes to Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Hunt is one of two debutants in Michael Cheika's team, with openside flanker Ned Hanigan also handed his Wallabies bow.
Hunt has been through plenty on his road to securing an Australia debut, with the early part of his union career blighted by a cocaine scandal.
"It obviously hasn't been an easy road for me," he said. "So to be able to get here and make my debut against Fiji, it doesn't get any sweeter for me.
"I was a little bit shocked but I've managed to get my head around the plays (and) I'm looking forward to it and come game day I will be ready."
Cheika says Hunt's hard work since meant he deserved his chance, and he added: "He's overcome some hardship, ever since he's come to rugby and that's what we want in player.
"We want them to be resilient. He's warranted the opportunity to wear the gold jumper."
Fiji have named hulking Jale Vatubua at inside-centre as one of three debutants in their line-up after starring in France's Top 14 competition with Pau.
Vatubua will be joined by Rio Olympic Sevens gold medallist lock Viliame Mata, who plays for Edinburgh, and local prop Kalivati Tawake among the reserves.
Australia: 15 Israel Folau; 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Henry Speight; 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia; 1 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Sam Carter, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Ned Hanigan, 7 Michael Hooper (c) 8 Scott Higginbotham
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Reece Hodge.
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu; 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Vereniki Goneva; 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nikola Matawalu; 1 Campese Maafu, 2 Sunia Koto, 3 Peni Ravai, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Naulia Dawai, 8 Akapusi Qera (c),
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Joeli Veitayaki, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nemani Nagusa, 22 Seurpepeli Vularika, 23 Benito Masilevu.