The Wallabies are backing code-hopping Curtis Rona to thrive against his All Blacks idols after handing the New Zealand-born former NRL star a Bledisloe Cup baptism of fire.

Coach Michael Cheika has pinned his faith in the ex-North Queensland and Canterbury winger after Rona’s Western Force teammate Dane Haylett-Petty failed to recover from a biceps injury in time for Saturday’s clash at ANZ Stadium.

Rona spent just one game on the wing for the Force this season, with the 23-year-old playing at outside centre for the rest of the campaign.

Cheika, though, believes Rona’s aerial skills honed in rugby league will prove critical against the world champions, who plan to target the Test rookie.

“He’s run there pretty much since we got into camp and he’s looked comfortable there and he’s got excellent chat from the outside in,” Cheika said.

“He’s played on the big stage before in rugby league, so I’m sure he’ll handle it no problem.

“Curtis has been picked because he’s a high quality player. He’s really shown a lot of enthusiasm, aggression.

“He’s just been hungry to be involved in everything.”

In the other key backline call, Kurtley Beale returns for his first Test since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final loss to New Zealand at Twickenham.

Beale has been named at inside centre for the first time in his 61-Test career and will start in the midfield alongside 2014 Super Rugby-winning teammate Bernard Foley for the first time at international level.

Melbourne Rebels tearaway Sean McMahon has won the contentious No.8 spot ahead of his Super Rugby teammate Lopeti Timani, partnering skipper Michael Hooper and Ned Hanigan in the back row.

Former captain Stephen Moore retains his hooker’s role, with Tatafu Polota-Nau named on the bench after starting the first two Tests of the year.

WALLABIES: Israel Folau, Henry Speight, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Curtis Rona, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold, Allan Ala’alatoa, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Lopeti Timani, Nick Phipps, Reece Hodge, Tevita Kuridrani.