Utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper is set to make a Test return after he was recalled to the Wallabies squad for their end-of-year tour to Europe.
The 116-Test veteran will join the Wallabies squad in Odawara on Monday along with another utility back, Reds rookie Jordan Petaia, and big, ball carrying Brumbies back-row Rob Valetini.
Ashley-Cooper last played for his country against the All Blacks in 2016 but will be eligible for selection against Wales should coach Michael Cheika call his name.
If he does earn another cap it will make him Australia’s third most capped Wallaby of all time.
That’s the kind of experience Cheika desires.
“His experience is important and also just his versatility, his ability to cover a few positions,” Cheika told Rugby Australia’s official website.
“With him and then a guy like Jordan, it’s probably a good balance.
“(Ashley-Cooper) will train with us, we’ll see where he’s at.
“He’s come on the tour with us to be available for selection, he’s not coming for a holiday.”
Petaia isn’t coming for a holiday either.
The 18-year-old has just 13 Super Rugby caps to his name but embodies the term meteoric rise.
After making his debut off the bench for Queensland against the Brumbies in Round 8 he immediately showed glimpses of a superstar.
He went on to play 12 more games to finish the year – mostly on the wing – but filled the sizeable shoes left by Samu Kerevi at outside centre for the final two games of the season.
His footwork at the line, ability to shed tackles and split second decision making is well beyond his years and he is every chance of making his Wallabies debut.
“He’s just got a lot of good touches,” said Cheika.
“He’s a good lad, he wants to succeed, he wants to do the work, he’s eager.
“Having him here with us on these next few weeks will give him an idea of what’s required at the level and give him a chance to make a play for the World Cup squad.”
Petaia is most likely to line up on tour against Italy in Australia’s final match of the year.
Cheika is expected to hand his big guns a break in that Test and, as a result, see what some of his fringe players have to offer.
The other notable addition is Valetini.
The 20-year-old has just three Super Rugby caps to his name but has shown through Australian U20s and National Rugby Championship football that he has what it takes to thrive on the world stage.
He has been added as a development player and will not be considered for selection on tour.
Matt Toomua will also rejoin the squad after completing Leicester duties but Tatafu Polota-Nau will stay in England to give his body a break for the remainder of the year.
Skills coach Mick Byrne has also linked back up with the team after being absent in the lead up to the Yokohama Bledisloe for personal reasons.
Wallabies squad:
Forwards: Jermaine Ainsley, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake Gordon, Dane Haylett-Petty, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Jordan Petaia, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua
Development player: Rob Valetini