The RaboDirect Rebels will be well represented at this weekend’s Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand in Sydney.
Kurtley Beale has been named in the 15, while Phipps will provide cover for Vice Captain Will Genia off the bench. In form new recruit Scott Higginbotham was also picked at number 8.
Kurtley Beale has recovered from a rib injury and will line up at fullback, however there are suggestions he could play a more prominent role in attack.
Former Wallaby Tim Horan suggested in the Daily Telegraph this week that Beale’s ‘x factor’ must be utilised for the Wallabies to have a chance against the All Blacks.
“You only get a handful of chances in these huge Tests and you have to take them all. Beale is the man who will need to create them," said Horan.
“He has genuine x-factor.
“Beale was underdone in the third Test against Wales after injury but it's encouraging to see he was trying things. I wouldn't be surprised to see Berrick slot back to fullback and Kurtley move forward in phase play, probably in the attacking 50m."
Phipps continues his rise in Test Rugby, named as halfback cover on the bench.
He made his Test debut against Samoa in 2011, becoming the first RaboDirect Rebel to be selected in the national side.
A product of Sydney University and the Australian Sevens programme, Phipps was originally bought into the Wallaby fold to replace France bound Luke Burgess at the conclusion of the recent World Cup.
He has since made 3 Test appearances for the Wallabies and will be keen for increased opportunities in the forthcoming series.
Rebels Members are sure to also be keeping a close eye on new recruit Scott Higginbotham.
Higginbotham will join the Rebels for the 2013 Super Rugby Season and his versatility will be on display on Saturday night, with a move to the back of the scrum in place of injured number 8 Wycliff Palu.
The Qantas Wallabies team to play New Zealand in The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night (kick-off: 8pm AEST) is:
15. Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
13. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Anthony Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds, vice-captain)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
7. David Pocock (Western Force, captain)
6. Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Sitaleki Timani (NSW Waratahs)
3. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Run on Reserves:
16. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
19. Radike Samo (Queensland Reds)
20. Michael Hooper (Brumbies)
21. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
22. Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs)