Tatafu Polota-Nau

The 33-year-old was playing with Leicester in England when he received a surprise phone call from Australian coach Michael Cheika urging him to give the international arena a final shot.

A few grey hairs are among the few clues that Polota-Nau is now one of the most seasoned players in camp, with his 89 Test caps qualifying him to return from overseas to play for the Wallabies under Giteau's Law.

Coach Michael Cheika said Polota-Nau would re-join the Australian squad early next month, after missing the June series against Ireland to rest up after a long English season.

"At this stage we are planning for him to be good to go in the first Bledisloe," Cheika said.

“It will help a lot, and help with our depth, although to be honest I was really happy with our three hookers - Brandon, Tolu and Folau - over the June period.”

Polota-Nau now plays for the Leicester Tigers but qualifies for the Wallabies under the Giteau Law, due to his 82 Test caps.