London (AFP) - Australia's rugby union great Michael Hooper was recalled to the team announced Thursday for this weekend's European tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The 30-year-old flanker, the Wallabies' most capped skipper, withdrew on the eve of August's Test against Argentina in Mendoza, saying he was not in the "right mindset" to lead his country.
He then sat out the remainder of the Rugby Championship before being included in the squad for the tour of Europe.
Hooper hasn't played for Australia since their series-deciding loss at home to England in July but now rejoins a back-row that features club colleague Jed Holloway at blindside flanker and Rob Valetini at No 8.
He is one of several changes to Australia's matchday 23, with Queensland captain Tate McDermott earning his first start of the 2022 campaign at scrum-half, partnering Bernard Foley who will line-up for his first Test against the Scots since 2017.
Ton Banks has been reinstalled at full-back, with Brumbies flyer Tom Wright on the left wing and Hunter Paisami at inside centre.
Up front, Nick Frost is set to make his second start at Test level when the Wallabies take the field at Murrayfield on Saturday, partnering Brumbie teammate Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
James Slipper will captain the side from loosehead prop in his 124th Test.
"We're rapt for Hoops," said Wallabies coach Dave Rennie in a Rugby Australia statement.
"He's been outstanding both on and off the field since re-entering the environment and he can't wait to pull on the gold jersey again," the New Zealander added.
Hooper, speaking Wednesday at Australia's training camp in Saint-Etienne, France -- the Wallabies' base for next year's World Cup -- said: "I'm excited to be back.
"I'm realistic that there's going to be some really good days and some days with the realities of travel and rugby and stuff will be difficult...I'm back in this position because I want to be here."
Australia have lost their last three Tests against Scotland, including a narrow 15-13 defeat when the teams last met, at Murrayfield in November last year.
Rennie's men have arrived in Europe Australia on the back of three straight losses, two to New Zealand and one to South Africa.
Saturday's match marks the start of a tour that also sees Australia playing internationals against France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on consecutive weekends.
Australia team (15-1) to play Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, (kick-off 1630 GMT)
Tom Banks; Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright; Bernard Foley, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway; Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost; Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper (capt)
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Jock Campbell
Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)
