Trae Williams will play for Australia's rugby sevens team for the first time in two years when the World Series continues in Cape Town.
The world champions won the season-opener in Hong Kong but were sixth in Dubai, coach John Manenti forced into two changes with captain Nick Malouf and rookie Kye Oates injured.
It's opened the door for former sprinter Williams, dubbed Quadzilla owing to his massive quadriceps muscles, for his first appearance since 2020.
Williams left athletics to chase an Olympic berth in rugby sevens but was overlooked, fellow speedster Dietrich Roache now one of the team's key pieces after pipping him for a spot.
Dally Bird is expected to make his debut for Australia alongside Jordan-Lee Bacon as Manenti continues to draw on club rugby talents in a move that paid off handsomely last season.
"Even though we got the win in Hong Kong, we lacked consistency last week," Manenti said.
"The players have redoubled their efforts over the past few days and are hungry for the challenges that lie ahead this weekend.
"We have several new additions to the squad, and we're looking forward to seeing what these young guns can do."
Isabella Nasser and Faythe Manera are poised for debuts for Australia's champion women's side in Cape Town with Tia Hinds and Lily Dick unavailable.
"Our performance in Dubai was an excellent way to begin the Olympic qualifying season, not because of the win but because of the way we won," coach Tim Walsh said of their season-opening win.
"The tournament showcased some of the best rugby I have ever seen this team play. The variety, skill, and strategy they displayed was unrivalled."
The women's will take on Ireland, Spain and South Africa in their pool matches while the men face USA, Uganda and Great Britain from Friday.
WOMEN'S SQUAD: Charlotte Caslick, Demi Hayes, Madison Ashby, Isabella Nasser, Dominique Du Toit, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Faith Nathan, Sariah Paki, Bienne Terita, Sharni Williams, Faythe Manera.
MEN'S SQUAD: Dally Bird, Tim Clements, Stu Dunbar, Matt Gonzalez, Henry Hutchison, Nathan Lawson, Jordan Lee-Bacon, Maurice Longbottom, Ben Marr, Henry Paterson, Dietrich Roache, Josh Turner, Trae Williams.
