Jock Campbell is being lauded for his class and resilience after emerging from almost four years in the international rugby wilderness to snare the prized fullback role for the Wallabies' Nations Championship opener against Ireland.
After an electric Super Rugby Pacific season for the Queensland Reds, Campbell has beaten Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright to the No.15 jumper for Saturday night's Test in Sydney.
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Campbell hasn't played a Test since Australia's win over Wales in Cardiff on the 2022 spring tour of Europe.
While his selection is somewhat of a surprise, Campbell's return is nothing but deserved after he gained selection in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific team of the year.
"Jock has had a really good season for the Reds and he's a player that we've had discussions over the last two years about him not being far away," Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.
"He's been fast, he's been very good under the high ball. He took some of the kicking responsibility for the Reds at kick-off time and even kicking for touch, so his kicking game is strong.
"He's a good solution for us at fullback."
Jorgensen was named on the wing, with Dylan Pietsch completing Australia's back three at a sold-out Allianz Stadium.
Campbell's Queensland teammate Josh Canham has been named for his first Test start, partnering Western Force captain Jeremy Williams in the second row. ACT Brumbies No.9 Ryan Lonergan is another who has earned his first run-on in Wallaby gold. He will wear partner up in the halves with Carter Gordon.
Reigning John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau has returned from England to join Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a star-studded centre pairing.
Angus Bell returns from his sabbatical in Belfast to start at loosehead prop against a number of his Ulster teammates.
Bell will complete a front row that includes hooker Josh Nasser and the highly experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Australia's all-time appearance record holder James Slipper will officially make his comeback from Test retirement, named as the replacement loosehead prop for his 152nd Test.
Harry Wilson will again captain the side at No.8 in a classy back row alongside two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini and openside flanker Fraser McReight.
The Wallabies have lost their past five Tests against Ireland, stretching back to a last-up win in 2017.
But Schmidt feels his side could have even won last November's encounter that ended in a 46-19 Irish win in Dublin.
"We're 19-14 at halftime and we've had far less of the ball, far less of the territory, but still in the game," he said.
"The last four minutes, they score those two late tries when we over-chasing the game. That sort of thing is going to happen.
"But before that, it's 32-19 and we actually had a couple of field positions that if we maximise what we can get out of them, you become a chance when you're only 13 points off.
"You get a score and and you're close enough. So we don't feel like we're miles away."
