Lake is one of six survivors from the Welsh side that beat the world champion Springboks 13-12 in Bloemfontein two years ago and now he has another piece of history in his sights.
Wales have only won once against the Wallabies in Australia and that was way back in 1969. Since then they have lost 11 in a row.
Buy buoyed by that historic away win against South Arica, Lake is hoping to pull off another major coup along with five other survivors from the triumph in Bloemfontein in 2022 – Liam Williams, Nick Tompkins, Kieran Hardy, Gareth Thomas and Tommy Reffell.
“Records like that are meant to be broken. It gives us a great opportunity, a great marker something this group can change or leave behind,” said Lake.
“It’s another driver for us, adding onto our seven losses in a row. It is another thing that can get the boys in the right mindset.
“Test rugby is about winning. Winning is our goal every time we take the field and that’s the main objective on Saturday.
“A Welsh touring side hasn’t won here since 1969 and we know it’s not going to be easy. But we’re excited to take the field and confident in our ability.”
Aaron Wainwright will win his 50th cap in the back row in a side that shows seven changes, one positional, from the team that lost to South Africa last month at Twickenham.
“I just like the way he’s grown as a player. After the game last week against the Springboks, Faf de Klerk said ‘your blonde No 8 is a handful’” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“We’ve seen him grow, with his footwork and carrying, and I’ve challenged him because I think there’s another level in him. He needs to make sure he stays in the game and in the moment all the time.
“There perhaps had been a tendency in the past where he switched off. That’s been a work-on for him, but he’s trained excellently this week. His dad is going to be out here to see him win his 50th cap, so I hope everything goes well for him.”
Dewi Lake during training
Gloucester wing Josh Hathaway, who has played for both Wales and England U20, will make his debut, while Ben Thomas gets his first start in the No 10 jersey.
Bath prop Archie Griffin also gets a first start after recovering from injury and will pack down against the most experienced Australian forward of all-time in James Slipper, who will move into sixth place on the world rugby all-time capped list with his 135th appearance – six short of the total for the whole of the Wales pack.
“Tight head is one position that we’re probably the most exposed at. We just haven’t had a consistent tight head who is playing week-in, week-out – the last one was probably Tomas Francis, who is in France,” added Gatland.
“He hasn’t retired from international rugby, but we need to get someone on the field and develop some experience. Archie is explosive and technically he’s excellent. Unfortunately in the Six Nations, he picked up that injury right at the start, so it’s good to see him back and I’d just like to see him play some more rugby.”
There are seven uncapped caps in the Wallaby match day 23, including Queensland Reds outside half Tom Lynagh. He is the son of Aussie legend and World Cup winner Michael Lynagh and brother of Louis Lynagh, who played for Italy in their win over Wales in Cardiff at the end of the Six Nations this year.
