Craig Gower has been named to make his international rugby union debut at five eighth for Italy against the Wallabies in Canberra on Saturday.

Coach Nick Mallett has shown great faith in the former Australian rugby league Test player, handing him the play-making role for the Azzurri after just two seasons in French club rugby.

Gower is joined in the Italian team by fellow Australian-born player Luke McLean, who is at fullback for his ninth cap.

Italy: Luke McLean, Kaine Robertson, Mirco Bergamasco, Matteo Pratichetti, Alberto Sgarbi, Craig Gower, Pablo Canavosio. Forwards: Sergio Parisse (capt), Mauro Bergamasco, Alessandro Zanni, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, Quintin Geldenhuys, Fabio Staibano, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Salvatore Perugini. Res: Franco Sbaraglini, Ignacio Rouyet, Marco Bortolami, Paul Derbyshire, Tito Tebaldi, Kristopher Burton, Gonzalo Garcia.

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