Matt Toomua is pushing long-term five-eighth Bernard Foley for the starting spot in the Wallabies side to face England at Twickenham.
Toomua, singled out for praise by coach Michael Cheika after his display against Italy last week, is under serious consideration to wear the No.10 jersey ahead of Foley for Australia's final Test of the year (Sunday 0200 AEDT).
The Leicester playmaker, who will join the Melbourne Rebels in June, was the third player tried at No.10 this year behind Foley and Kurtley Beale.
He has played at inside centre at Test level but his knowledge of several of the England players from his club career could also work in his favour in the playmaker role, as Cheika looks to prevent a record sixth straight loss to Eddie Jones's team.
Foley, who started at No.12 against the Italians, is recovering from a sickness bug, but returned to training on Tuesday.
Cheika could still opt for his vast international experience at first receiver.
On Wednesday, the coach was still assessing his backline options.
With rain forecast on Saturday, playing a pair of ball-running centres has been discussed with in-form Samu Kerevi potentially partnered with Beale or Israel Folau.
Folau would start on the wing should Cheika opt for Beale, with Dane Haylett-Petty, rested against Italy, to return to fullback where he has impressed in recent months.
Another option being looked at by Cheika is using Beale off the bench, in what is expected to be a tight game between defensively strong sides.
Jones has begun the mind games this week, insisting destructive centre Manu Tuilagi, who is widely expected to play, won't return from a long-term injury as he is only 99.9 per cent fit.
He has also cast doubt over extent of David Pocock's neck injury with the talismanic Wallabies back-rower given as long as possible to prove his fitness.
Winger Marika Koroibete scored two tries in Padua after being drafted in as a late replacement for injured rookie Jordan Petaia.
However, he could lose his spot to veteran utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper, whose last appearance against England was the memorable 33-13 win at Twickenham that knocked the hosts out of the 2015 World Cup.
Possible Wallabies Team/Starting XV to face England: Dane Haylett-Petty, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Matt Toomua, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Jack Dempsey, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Tolo Latu, Scott Sio.
