Veteran James Slipper captains Australia for the 15th time this weekend against Wales after last week’s skipper Liam Wright was ruled out through injury.
Head coach Joe Schmidt has named the same front-row with Slipper alongside hooker Matt Faessler and powerhouse Taniela Tupou, who is fortunately fit after having sustained a knock in the first half last week.
Jeremy Williams had a solid Test debut last time out and is rewarded with another start alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who was a physical presence in Sydney.
Back-row shuffle
Wright’s injury sees a shuffle in the back-row with star player Rob Valetini moving to the blindside flank and the highly-rated Charlie Cale getting his first start. The tireless openside Fraser McReight completes the loose trio.
The backline has no changes with Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio the half-backs while Reds duo Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook continue their partnership after a sound debut from the latter last weekend.
It is also no surprise to see Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright all getting the nod in the back three again this week.
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Bench
Hooker Josh Nasser comes onto the bench and if used would become the 13th father/son pair to represent the Wallabies with his father, Brendan, having worn Australia gold. Isaac Kaliea and Allan Alaalatoa are the other front-row options.
Angus Blyth and Langi Gleeson are the other forwards, with Nic White, Ben Donaldson and Dylan Pietsch the backline options.
Schmidt underlined how the team wants to earn their support and is looking for another learning experience against Wales.
“We found out a bit about ourselves last week and are looking forward to learning a bit more on Saturday night,” Schmidt said.
“We’ve worked hard again this week in Melbourne and will be going out to earn the support of those in the stands and those at home on Saturday night.”
Australia line-up v Wales
Wallabies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 James Slipper (c)
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Nic White, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Dylan Pietsch
Date: Saturday, 13 July, 2024
Kick-off: 19:45 local (10:45 BST, 09:45 GMT)
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)