Rugby: Karmichael Hunt, Ned Hanigan to make Wallabies debuts

Karmichael Hunt in action for the Reds. Photo / Photosport.

Code-hopping Karmichael Hunt will make his long-awaited Wallabies debut along with Waratahs backrower Ned Hanigan with the pair named to start in Saturday's Test against Fiji in Melbourne.

Hunt was named at inside centre for the first Test of the year with 22-year-old Hanigan at blindside flanker in an Australian team led by Michael Hooper after veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau beat regular skipper Stephen Moore to the starting hooker role.

Moore may still appear on the bench which will only be named following Friday's final training run.

Hunt will become a dual international after playing playing 11 rugby league Tests, only switching to rugby in 2015 after four years playing AFL.

His Queensland teammate Scott Higginbotham will return to Test rugby after a two-year absence, named at No.8 while Brumbies duo Sam Carter and Allan Alaalatoa have been rewarded for their fine Super Rugby form in a new-look tight five.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he picked the team on form rather than past performances.

"I have been very pleased with some of the individual performances this season and this has really been the basis of many of these selections," Cheika said.

"It's been great to see the energy that Ned and Karmichael have brought this week. We know Test footy is a different beast and I know they have what it takes to step up.

"Tatafu (Polota-Nau)has been challenging Stephen (Moore) for the number two jersey for many years and his form has warranted his selection.

"Stephen is our captain and he'll be up to the challenge of what both Tatafu and Tolu (Llatu) will bring this series."

Wallabies: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Karmichael Hunt, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan, Adam Coleman, Sam Carter, Alan Alaalatoa, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson

Reserves: To be named Friday