But he has been cleared to lead a powerful team, which includes a first start of the year for Chris Latham, who underwent knee reconstruction surgery in January.

Latham’s only appearance for Australia since November was a 35-minute stint off the bench against New Zealand in the Wallabies’ final Tri-Nations game.

Latham will win his 74th Test cap while at the opposite end of the experience scale fly-half Berrick Barnes, the youngest member of the World Cup squad at 21, is in line to make his debut after being named on the bench.

Head coach John Connolly had always planned to name his strongest available side as Australia build towards their pivotal pool clash with Wales in 10 days’ time.

“We want to build towards the Wales match with a strong performance on Saturday and we will get a good opportunity to do that against Japan,” said Connolly.

Winger Lote Tuqiri also returns to the side after serving a two-match ban during the Tri-Nations for breaking team alcohol rules.

Australia team to play Japan in Lyon on Saturday: C Latham (Queensland Reds); A Ashley-Cooper (ACT Brumbies), S Mortlock (ACT Brumbies, capt), M Giteau (Western Force), L Tuqiri (NSW Waratahs); S Larkham (ACT Brumbies), G Gregan (ACT Brumbies); M Dunning (NSW Waratahs), S Moore (Queensland Reds), A Baxter (NSW Waratahs), N Sharpe (Western Force), D Vickerman (NSW Waratahs), R Elsom (NSW Waratahs), G Smith (ACT Brumbies), W Palu (NSW Waratahs).

Replacements: A Freier (NSW Waratahs), G Shepherdson (ACT Brumbies), H McMeniman (Queensland Reds), S Hoiles (ACT Brumbies), B Barnes (Queensland Reds), D Mitchell (Western Force), M Gerrard (ACT Brumbies).