Australia will field a refreshed lineup as Samu Kerevi and Rob Valetini celebrate their 50th Test milestones against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.
Kerevi, who debuted in 2016, earns his first cap since the Wallabies’ final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The powerful centre will pair with Len Ikitau in midfield, offering both experience and physicality.
Valetini, the back-to-back John Eales Medallist, shifts to number eight in place of the injured Harry Wilson. His remarkable durability—having missed just two Tests since 2020—continues as he anchors a back row featuring Fraser McReight and debutant starter Seru Uru.
France-based lock Will Skelton also makes his first appearance of 2024, partnering Nick Frost in the second row. Up front, captain Allan Alaalatoa leads the team from tighthead prop alongside Matt Faessler and Angus Bell in the front row.
Nic White returns to scrumhalf, reigniting his combination with flyhalf Noah Lolesio. Max Jorgensen, fresh from scoring the match-winner last weekend, replaces the injured Dylan Pietsch on the left wing, with Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright completing the back three.
Joe Schmidt has opted for a dynamic bench, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, and Zane Nonggorr as front-row reinforcements, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson covering the forwards, and Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii providing backline depth.
Schmidt acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Last week’s Test was fast-paced and physical, and we’ve brought in some freshness for what’s going to be another bruising encounter in Cardiff. As a group, we’ve worked hard this week, knowing that there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend.”
Australia — 15 Tom Wright; 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Max Jorgensen; 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White; 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Seru Uru; 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost; 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
