Coach Kevin Walters picked Reece Walsh at fullback for the World Cup opener.
James Tedesco sits out the opener after his grand final run with the Roosters.
Australia face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday.
Walsh returns after two months out with an ankle injury.
Walsh is the incumbent fullback and starred in the Ashes last year.
Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster will steer the attack as the halves.
Walters wants to manage tired legs after a grand final less than two weeks ago.
Australia have won their last 18 World Cup games.
Kalyn Ponga starts at fullback for New Zealand on his national debut.
Dane Gagai becomes the oldest Kiwis debutant since 1910 at 35.
Tedesco should return next week when Australia play Fiji.
The top two teams in Pool A reach the semi-finals.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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