The ship was renamed for Australian service before launch and was treated as Sydney from the beginning of her active career. The Royal Australian Navy chose her in 1934 because it wanted a modern, capable light cruiser. New Zealand's interest in Leander-class ships made the Amphion's claim to slightly better performance part of a friendly dominion comparison. By her loss in 1941, Sydney had already fought through a demanding Mediterranean war and destroyed Kormoran even as the raider sank her.
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Why Australia chose Sydney before launch
Australia selected and renamed Sydney before launch because it wanted a modern light cruiser comparable to or better than New Zealand's Leanders.