George Smith was confirmed as stand-in captain of an Australian XV containing only one change for Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby international against New Zealand.
Flanker Smith is standing in as captain for Stirling Mortlock, who failed to recover from a head-knock he sustained in last week's 16-9 win over World Cup winner South Africa in Perth.
Ryan Cross was selected Wednesday to come into the midfield for his run-on debut in a direct replacement for Mortlock at outside center, while former rugby league international Timana Tahu was named to the bench for the Wallabies.
Cross has won three caps as a replacement and scored two tries against France in the 40-10 win over France in Brisbane earlier this month.
Smith, 28, has started as captain only once, against Canada in the group stage during last year's World Cup in France.
Tahu is one of two changes on the bench, with lock Dan Vickerman recovering from an ankle problem to return to the Wallabies squad in place of versatile backrower Hugh McMeniman.
It will be coach Robbie Deans' first match in charge of the Wallabies against his native New Zealand. Deans, a former All Black and assistant New Zealand coach, took on the Australian job after guiding the Canterbury Crusaders to the Super 14 title in May.
New Zealand started the Tri-Nations series with a win and a loss at home against South Africa.
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith (captain), Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Timana Tahu, Drew Mitchell.
