Australia have named six new caps in a squad of 12 players for the forthcoming Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens which also acts as the opening round in the new IRB World Series.
Mark Gilbride, Viliama Ratu, Vinnie Byrne, Michael Black, Naibuka Tuiloa and Luke Milton will all make their debuts for the Wallabies at the event, due to be staged at the Dubai Exiles from November 30 December 2.
Coach Glen Ella said: "We also have six players returning from last season who have a total of 44 IRB Sevens tournaments under their belts.
"This time last year we announced a team for the Dubai tournament that included nine debutants and a total of 11 caps among the other three players, so we definitely have more experience in this year's squad.
"It will be important for our new players to get up to speed as quickly as possible. "The pace and pressure of international sevens can take some players by surprise, so I will be looking for the new guys to adapt quickly."
Australia, keen to start the season in style as a first step on the road to the Commonwealth Games on home territory in Melbourne in March, will be led by Shawn Mackay.
But the flanker will sit out the George Sevens in South Africa the following week because he will be best man at the wedding of Wallaby Morgan Turinui.
Australia squad: Shawn Mackay, Luke Inman, Mark Gilbride, Viliame Ratu, Joshua Gamgee, Vinnie Byrne, Michael Black, Naibuka Tuiloa, Luke Milton, Anthony Sauer, Nick Reilly, Richie O'Connor.
