Pocock led Australia to a 3-0 series win over Wales in June but has not appeared since injuring his knee during the Wallabies’ clash with the All Blacks in August.
“David is one of the best in the world as a player and is growing every day as a leader so naturally we are delighted to have him back,” said head coach Robbie Deans.
“While he has continued to contribute off the field, this tour has been one of frustration for him but we were not prepared to take any risks and potentially compromise either the player or the team, in terms of his fitness.
“The upside to the wait is that his return comes at a time where we need fresh energy, as was evident at times during our Test in Italy last weekend.”
The change on the openside is one of three alterations from the Wallabies starting line-up which started last week’s win over Italy.
The others see lock Kane Douglas return from a knee injury to take over from the suspended Sitaleki Timani while Tatafu Polota-Nau resumes at hooker.
Despite his return, Pocock will not captain the Wallabies this weekend with the honour remaining with Pocock’s long-time Western Force teammate Nathan Sharpe as he plays his 116th and final Test.
The return of Pocock is a huge boost for Deans who has praised Michael Hooper, the man who has filled in for Pocock in his absence.
Hopper will be used from the bench on Saturday as Deans freshens up his squad.
“Michael has had a massive year and it was evident that for him, as well as some others, it was starting to take its toll,” Deans added.
“He’s earned the right to finish the year on the park. Having the option of working him alongside David at some point during the contest is a win-win for us.”
The Wallabies have won their last six games with Wales, five of which have been achieved in the last 14 months. Deans though is expecting nothing less than a severe test from Warren Gatland’s side.
“You don’t win two Grand Slams in the last four years while also making the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup without being a quality oufit, and a resilient one,” commented the Wallabies’ head coach.
“If we were in their situation, I know the response I would be expecting.
“Cornered beasts are always the most dangerous – they have nowhere else to go but straight ahead.
“I’ve no doubt that Warren and his men will feel that way at the moment.
“They did some good things last weekend against New Zealand, and weren’t always rewarded for them.
“Our recent history against Wales shows how little there is between the two sides. Our blokes won’t need reminding of that.”
Australia: 15 Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs) 14 Nick Cummins (Western Force) 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs) 12 Ben Tapuai (Queensland Reds) 11 Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs) 10 Kurtley Beale (Melbourne Rebels) 9 Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels), 1 Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs) 2 Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs) 3 Ben Alexander (Brumbies) 4 Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs) 5 Nathan Sharpe (Western Force and captain) 6 Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels) 7 David Pocock (Brumbies) 8 Wycliff Palu. (NSW Waratahs)
Replacements: Stephen Moore (Brumbies) James Slipper (Queensland Reds) Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs) Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs) Brendan McKibbin (NSW Waratahs) Mike Harris (Queensland Reds) Digby Ioane. (Queensland Reds)
