The Melbourne Rebels star returns to the No.15 jersey for the first time since last year’s Rugby World Cup, with Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to the right wing in place of Cooper Vuna.
New South Wales Waratahs lock Sitaleki Timani replaces Rob Simmons in the only other change to the starting XV, with Mike Harris dropping off the bench to accommodate his fellow Queenslander.
Beale will make his return from a shoulder injury as the drama of his alleged scuffle with bouncers at a Queensland hotel continues to play out.
“It has been frustrating for Kurtley, and he’s obviously had some off-field challenges to deal with as well,” said Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
“But it was important for all concerned that he had full confidence in his shoulder before we looked at re-introducing him to the Test arena.”
Deans said he was expecting Wales to mount another strong challenge at Allianz Stadium, particularly after they were denied a drought-breaking victory in Australia after the siren last weekend.
“Wales are a very good side. They give you nothing and they take their scoring chances. They showed that in the Six Nations, and they showed it again last weekend,” he said.
“Both games in the series to date have been very close, there’s no reason to suggest that Saturday afternoon will be any different.”
Australia
15. Kurtley Beale
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
13. Rob Horne
12. Pat McCabe
11. Digby Ioane
10. Berrick Barnes
9. Will Genia
8. Wycliff Palu
7. David Pocock
6. Scott Higginbotham
5. Nathan Sharpe
4. Sitaleki Timani
3. Sekope Kepu
2. Tatafu Polota Nau
1. Benn Robinson
Replacements
16. Stephen Moore
17. Ben Alexander
18. Dave Dennis
19. Michael Hooper
20. Rob Simmons
21. Nic White
22. Anthony Faingaa
