The 24-year-old Brumbies tighthead prop has been rewarded for a fine Super 14 season.
Connolly said: "He played pretty well through the Super 14 and we were impressed with him during our initial camp.
"He's got the capacity to learn a lot more and develop his game."
Australia team: Chris Latham; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri; George Gregan (captain), Stephen Larkham; Greg Holmes, Tai McIsaac, Guy Shepherdson, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Mark Chisholm, George Smith, Rocky Elsom.
Replacements: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Clyde Rathbone, Cameron Shepherd.
