Kiwi Deans is the first non-Australian to coach the Wallabies

Australia coach Robbie Deans has named seven rookies in his squad for 2008.

Luke Burgess, Dean Mumm, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Richard Brown, Peter Hynes and Ben Alexander have been included in a 30-man line-up.

Stirling Mortlock retains the captaincy as the Wallabies look to rebuild following their World Cup quarter-final defeat to England last October.

Australia are scheduled to play 14 Tests in 2008 with the first against Ireland in Melbourne on 14 June.

"There are a lot of new faces in this squad, in both the playing ranks and the coaching staff," said New Zealander Deans, the first non-Australian coach of the Wallabies.

"Our ultimate goal is the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, but that is a long way into the future.

"In the interim there is a lot of hard work to be done."

There were few major surprises in the 30-man list, although utility back Mark Gerrard was overlooked despite making the World Cup squad last season.

Prop Alexander is called up even though he only played six Super 14 games, all off the bench.

Chris Latham, Scott Staniforth, Greg Holmes, Drew Mitchell, Hugh McMenaiman and Dan Vickerman are all out injured.

Mortlock, who replaced George Gregan as skipper last season, said he was looking forward to the challenge of moulding a new team.

"It's the start of a new era, with a new coach and many new faces within the squad," he said.

"With a few senior players from the World Cup no longer with us, there are challenges ahead but we're really looking forward to working hard with Robbie and getting results."

Australia squad:

Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Stephen Hoiles, James Horwill, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Paul, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.

Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Stirling Mortlock, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner.