Australia will field its fifth different centre pairing in five Tests after Scott Staniforth gained a Wallabies recall for Saturday's European tour-ending clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.

Staniforth will partner skipper Stirling Mortlock in the Australian midfield after coach John Connolly wrung the changes following Sunday's disappointing 21-6 loss to Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

Staniforth's inclusion for his sixth Test in seven years is among six changes to the starting side as Connolly strives desperately to avoid back-to-back defeats to end his first year in charge.

In the only backline alteration, Mortlock returns to his favoured outside centre position to accommodate Staniforth, with Lote Tuqiri back on the wing and Clyde Rathbone dropped after failing to score in his last 12 Tests.

A new-look Australian forward pack will face a Scottish side not to be underestimated after going unbeaten in five Tests at home in 2006.

Hooker Stephen Moore and prop Benn Robinson have gained starts in the front row alongside the in-form Guy Shepherdson, with Tai McIsaac and Al Baxter relegated to the bench.

Al Campbell has replaced Mark Chisholm in the second row, David Lyons will take over at No.8 as Wycliff Palu struggles with a shoulder injury, while George Smith is back at openside flanker with Phil Waugh on the bench.

Connolly said selectors always planned to start Smith and Waugh in two Tests each this tour and that their constant rotation was "not a form issue".

Boom hooker Totafu Polota-Nau has won a place on the bench after working tirelessly all tour with forwards coaches Michael Foley and Alex Evans on rectifying his wayward lineout throwing.

"He is just something special," Connolly said.

"It's the risk you take, but his lineout throws have improved. Since day one, with Alex and Foles, he's worked tremendously hard.

"If he keeps improving... he's got something special."

Staniforth's selection for his sixth Test - seven years after his first - caps a renaissance season for the 29-year-old.

After eight seasons with the NSW Waratahs, the converted winger only returned to Australia from London Irish to be closer to family after he and wife Emma had their third child.

He ended up as the Western Force's player of the year after proving a revelation in the centres.

He also finished as Australia's leading tryscorer in the Super 14 with nine five-pointers.

"I suppose the flame has always been there to play (for Australia again), but when I left I probably thought it was all over," Staniforth said.

"So it's good to get back into the fold and I've really enjoyed this year."

The Wallabies haven't lost to the Scots since 1970 but, despite their relative low standing at No.8 in the world, they boast outstanding form at Murrayfield this year and will certainly be no pushovers.

Scotland's scalps include France and England in the Six Nations, as well as Italy in Rome, and they only suffered narrow defeats against Ireland in Dublin and Wales in Cardiff.

If Connolly thought the Wallabies copped it after their defeat in Dublin, a loss to the Scots, who are fresh off a confidence-boosting 34-22 victory over the Pacific Islanders on Saturday, doesn't bare thinking about.

"It would be a nightmare," Connolly admitted.

Australia: Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau, David Lyons, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Al Campbell, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu or Stephen Hoiles, Josh Valentine, Mat Rogers (one to be omitted).

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