James Slipper will captain Australia for the first time this weekend as Dave Rennie names his Wallaby side to take on Wales in Cardiff.
An injury to Michael Hooper in last week’s loss to England means that Australia will be without the inspirational captain and it will be up to Slipper to fill the void.
He will do so in his more familiar position of loosehead prop, having had to switch to tighthead last week due to injuries.
Both Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa are back fit though, with the former getting the start against Wales and the latter taking a spot on the bench.
Elsewhere Tolu Latu gets his first start of the Autumn Nations Series at hooker, while Pete Samu replaces Hooper in the back row.
The only change to the backline sees Filipo Daugunu make his first appearance of the tour as he starts on the left wing in place of Tom Wright.
There are also some changes on the bench where Lalakai Foketi could be in line for his Test debut after being included, with Lachlan Swinton also brought into the fray.
Australia have lost both of their matches in the Autumn Nations Series so far, in Scotland and England, but will be looking to finish on a high.
Rennie said: “We’ve made some great shifts this year, but we’ve been disappointed with our performances in the last two Tests and we’ll be looking to ensure we finish the year on a positive note against Wales on Saturday night.”
Australia team to take on Wales
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic Wright, 1 James Slipper (c), 2 Tolu Latu, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Rory Arnold, 5 Izack Rodda, 6 Rob Leota, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Rob Valetini
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Lachlan Swinton, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Tom Wright
