The 27-year-old, who switched codes in March last year, has been named on the bench for the national team and will become the 827th player to represent Australia in Tests if he takes the field.

He has been thrust into the Test squad after strong form for Australia A at centre during the recent Pacific Nations Cup.

George Smith will captain the side in the absence of injured veteran Stirling Mortlock.

Centre Ryan Cross has been called in to make his first Test start for Mortlock, who has failed to recover sufficiently from concussion after sustaining a knock to the head in last Saturday's 16-9 Tri-Nations defeat of world champions South Africa in Perth.

Sydney-raised Western Force-centre Cross previously came from the reserves bench in the first three Test appearances of his career and scored two tries against France in Brisbane on the eve of the Tri-Nations campaign.

Waratahs lock Daniel Vickerman has been added to the bench after overcoming an ankle injury.

Vickerman takes the place of Hugh McMeniman among the replacements after safely negotiating his way through two club matches with Sydney University in recent weeks.