James Slipper will captain the Wallabies against the USA Eagles in Chicago on Sunday morning (AEST), with Ben McCalman and Matt Giteau named vice captains for the historic Test.

Joe Tomane, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Kurtley Beale, Kane Douglas and Sean McMahon will all start their first Test of 2015, with James Hanson, Sam Carter and Taqele Naiyaravoro all named on the bench despite missing out on Michael Cheika’s 31-man World Cup squad.

Rebels prop Toby Smith will also potentially earn his first Wallabies cap after being named on the bench.

“I am extremely humbled to be given this opportunity to Captain the team on Saturday night at Soldier Field. There is no greater honour for a player than to lead his country and I am excited to be able to do it with this incredible group of players,” said Slipper.

“We’ve always looked at things this season as a collective, with players being able to step up at different stages. That also applies to leadership, and we have a lot of solid leaders in the squad, which is essential in a year like this one,” he added.

With a host of big name Wallabies rested for the clash, Cheika said he was thrilled to hand Naiyaravoro and Smith their first opportunity at Test level.

“Toby is an extremely humble guy, and a very popular member of the group,” said Cheika.

“He’s been training exceptionally well throughout our 2015 international campaign, and that along with his form during Super Rugby has earned him the right to become a Wallaby.”

“Taqele is another player who has shown some good form in Super Rugby this season and has great potential. We’ve been watching with great interest during his World XV and Barbarians matches.

“Both players are desperate to represent Australia and we are looking forward to seeing them take their opportunity in Chicago.”

Wallabies team to play USA Eagles at Soldier Field, Chicago

1. James Slipper – C – (67 Tests)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests)
3. Greg Holmes (17 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (15 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (52 Tests)
6. Ben McCalman – VC – (40 Tests)
7. Sean McMahon (3 Tests)
8. Wycliff Palu (55 Tests)
9. Nick Phipps (31 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (17 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (26 Tests)
12. Matt Giteau – VC – (95 Tests)
13. Henry Speight (3 Tests)
14. Joe Tomane (15 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (52 Tests)

16. James Hanson (9 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (9 Tests)
18. Toby Smith (uncapped)
19. Dean Mumm (36 Tests)
20. Sam Carter (11 Tests)
21. Quade Cooper (56 Tests)
22. Will Genia (59 Tests)
23. Taqele Naiyaravoro (Uncapped)