Cheika has gone fully loaded as Australia look to bounce back from a disappointing Rugby Championship campaign. There are four changes from the side which lost to New Zealand in Japan with Adam Coleman selected at lock, Tolu Latu starting at hooker, Jack Dempsey coming into the back-row and Samu Kerevi returning to the midfield.
Israel Folau is named on the right wing, with Sefa Naivalu moving to the left wing in place of Marika Koroibete.
Veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau will serve as Latu’s deputy, while Jack Maddocks has overcome a thumb injury that has ruled him out for almost two months to gain a place on the bench.
“This is as good a condition as I’ve seen us come up to Europe in the last few years,” said Cheika.
“We are very hungry because we’ve had an indifferent season and there’s a really good feeling in the camp. With Kerevi back we’ve decided to pick Israel Folau on the wing.
“He’s been doing very well. His role will probably be a little bit different because Kerevi will do a lot of the work in midfield.
“He’s good in the wide channels when he gets the ball. He’ll float around a bit as he does and I’m sure he’ll enjoy this game.”
Australia will face a Wales side who have won their last six test matches and are currently ranked third in the world. While Cheika has every faith in his own side he is expecting a tough examination in Cardiff.
“They are in top form and it’s going to be up to us to show them how we play the game,” said the former Leinster coach.
“Every game is played on it’s own merit. They’ve had a few wins in a row and they are up to third in the world which is really good for them.
“We love playing in the Principality Stadium. It’s a brilliant stadium and they are very lucky to have a stadium like that here. The players really enjoy playing there and it’s going to be a great game.”
Australia: Dane Haylett-Petty; Israel Folau, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Sefa Naivalu; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (capt), David Pocock
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Matt To’omua, Jack Maddocks.
