Australia pair Pocock & Hooper against Fiji

Australia have picked David Pocock and Michael Hooper - both open-side specialists - in the back row for their World Cup opener against Fiji.

Pocock starts at number eight with Hooper at seven - just as they did in the win over New Zealand in August.

Toulon's Matt Giteau, who is available after the Australian Rugby Union relaxed rules over overseas-based players in April, starts at centre.

Will Genia is preferred to Nick Phipps at scrum-half and wins his 61st cap.

Hooker Stephen Moore captains a side which boasts 720 caps among its starting XV and includes Kurtley Beale among the replacements.

Fiji are without flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who has been banned for a week for a tip-tackle on wing Jonny May in his team's 35-11 defeat by England on Friday.

He is replaced by Clermont Auvergne's Peceli Yato, while Stade Francais hooker Tuapati Talemaitoga, Ospreys lock Tevita Cavubati and Harlequins number eight Netani Talei also come in.

With the Wallabies' second Pool A match against Uruguay following just four days after the meeting with Fiji, coach Michael Cheika has said he is keen to make full use of his 31-man squad.

"It's important to give everyone an opportunity early on," Cheika added.

"We've done that throughout our lead-up to this tournament, and I believe it's a good way to go."

Australia: Folau; Ashley-Cooper, Kuridrani, Giteau, Horne; Foley, Genia; Sio, Moore (capt), Kepu, Douglas, Simmons, Fardy, Hooper, Pocock.

Replacements: Polota-Nau, Slipper, Holmes, Skelton, Mumm, Phipps, Toomua, Beale.

Fiji: Talebula; Nayacalevu, Goneva, Lovobalavu, Nadolo; Volavola, Matawalu; Ma'afu, Tuapati, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Yato, Qera, Talei.

Replacements: Veikoso, Ravai, Colati, Soqeta, Ravulo, Kenatale, Matavesi, Tikoirotuma.