Michael Cheika has named four debutants in his side to play England in the opening Test in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi will start at inside centre, combining with Tevita Kuridrani to form the biggest Australian midfield ever seen.

Israel Folau will stay in his regular Test spot after speculation that he was set for a move into the centres.

Christian Lealiifano landed in Brisbane late on Wednesday night, but ultimately time was against him in a bid for a starting spot, with the Brumbies playmaker set to come off the bench for his first Test action since 2014.

Lealiifano will play a handy backup to flyhalf Bernard Foley, with the ability to also fill the 12 spot off the pine.

Karmichael Hunt has missed the chance for a debut, after being well and truly in the mix at the selection table, along with boom youngster Reece Hodge, who was tipped to possibly fill a utility role off the bench.

Towering lock Rory Arnold has trained his way into a starting spot, with the 208cm second-rower partnering with Rob Simmons in his Test debut, filling the void left by Kane Douglas, still on the comeback from a knee injury.

Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is the third debutant in the starting side, lining up on the wing for his first Wallabies opportunity, rewarded for a standout Super Rugby season.

Greg Holmes has pipped Sekope Kepu for the starting tighthead spot, just his second run-on start under Michael Cheika after packing down against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Queensland Reds halfback Nick Frisby completes the roster of first-timers to run out at Suncorp, set to come off the bench for a potential Test debut in front of his home crowd.

Returned lock James Horwill has also been named in the 23, after cutting short his honeymoon to reunite with the Wallabies, paving the way for him to reignite his combination with former Reds teammate Simmons in the second row.

Winger Rob Horne has been elevated to the vice-captaincy for the first time, alongside Hooper, in a nod to his dedication to the Wallabies cause.

Wallabies team to play England

Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Greg Holmes, Rory Arnold, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Nick Phipps,  Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Dane Haylett-Petty, Israel Folau. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, James Horwill, Dean Mumm, Sean McMahon, Nick Frisby, Christian Leali’ifano.