Dane Gagai, 35, will become New Zealand's oldest debutant since 1910 when the former Australian international faces the Kangaroos at centre.
Australia meet New Zealand at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Thursday in the World Cup opener, with Reece Walsh selected at fullback ahead of Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco.
Walsh returns after an ankle injury kept him out for two months; he starred in Australia's Ashes whitewash last year.
Kevin Walters has chosen Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster in the halves, leaving Sam Walker out, while Tom Dearden is on the bench as cover for hooker Harry Grant.
"The World Cup only comes around every four years," Walters said, adding that "every player has earned their opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey."
New Zealand's starting pack includes Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota, with Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison on the bench.
Kalyn Ponga will make his Kiwis debut at fullback, while Gagai received clearance to switch eligibility weeks before the tournament.
Elsewhere, Samoa's Francis Manuleleua starts at lock against France on Friday, and England debutant Hugo Savala faces Tonga on Saturday.
AJ Brimson was picked at fullback ahead of Jack Welsby, while Kai Pearce-Paul returns from a pec injury sustained in June.
Jacob Kiraz will play fullback for Lebanon against Papua New Guinea on Saturday, and Kurt Donoghoe starts at five-eighth for the Dolphins against the Cook Islands on Sunday.