The giant La Rochelle lock Will Skelton returns to second row duty, while centre Sam Kerevi, one of the most powerful runners in the game, takes over from debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the Aussie midfield. Kerevi will win his 50th cap at Principality Stadium, as will No 8 Rob Valentini.
Allan Alaalatoa returns at tight-head prop to lead the side, while Nic White is given the scrum half role for the 71st time in his career, Queensland Reds flanker Seru Uru earns his first start, and a second cap, as he joins Valentini and Fraser McReight in the back row. Zane Nonggorr comes onto the bench to provide front row cover.
Last week’s late, late matchwinner, flying wing Max Jorgensen, gets a start in place of the injured Dylan Pietsch.
“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,” said Wallaby head coach Schmidt.
“As a group we’ve worked hard this week, knowing that there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend. Both games against Wales in Sydney and Melbourne in July were tight affairs.
“This time last year Wales put 40 points on the Wallabies and it’s not like they’ve metamorphized into a really bad team. They got very close to a number of teams in the Six Nations, lost by one score to England and Scotland, as well as Fiji last week.
“Honestly, with Tuisova and Nayacalevu in Fiji’s backline they have some guys who are as good as anything you’re going to get in the world. Muntz was outstanding as well.
“I’m expecting Wales to be incredible hard to beat. They’re dogmatic with the way they go about their defensive work and they’re very hard to break down.
“Getting a linebreak doesn’t mean you’ll get anything off it as they really work very hard for each other. We’re inevitably going to get some ball in the air from Ellis Bevan and Gareth Anscombe.
“I’ve known Gareth since he was about 14 and he’s a very accomplished player and he’s had a lot of positive days in a Welsh jersey.”
Last week’s victory over England was the fifth win in 10 games in charge of the Wallabies for Schmidt. It was also the first leg of a potential Grand Slam this autumn with games against Wales on Sunday, Scotland and Ireland to come.
“It’s funny, I feel under more pressure than I was last week as no one expected us to win. Suddenly, when expectations shift and you’re up against a team that are on a losing run, you’re expected to win,” said Schmidt.
“But it doesn’t actually mean anything in terms of the players running out and getting the job done. I think everyone feels pressure, and I’m sure Warren is feeling some pressure, just like any international coach.”
“I’ve known Gats for a long time, and he was obviously highly successful in his previous tenure with Wales. Anyone can have a lean spell, when teams are transitioning.
“I look at some of the players he had when I first started competing with Ireland against Wales. There were some good players there.
“I think they’ve got some really good players now. Both second rows are strong, Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell are so tough to play against and Aaron Wainwright was a bit of a handful for us before he got hurt in the summer, and Dewi Lake led superbly.
“When you’ve got guys like that there is a period of time that for them to adjust to Test rugby. That’s part of the transition that I guess Gats is trying to accelerate at the moment.
“I think we’ve had 17 or 18 debutants this year, so we’re a little bit in a similar situation. It’s why getting Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi back in this week helps with a level of experience across the board.”
AUSTRALIA
1. Angus Bell (33 Tests)
2. Matt Faessler (13 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (captain, 77 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (22 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (30 Tests)
6. Seru Uru (1 Test)
7. Fraser McReight (23 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (49 Tests)
9. Nic White (70 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests)
11. Max Jorgensen (4 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (49 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (36 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (36 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (34 Tests)
Replacements
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (17 Tests)
17. James Slipper (141 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (8 Tests)
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests)
20. Langi Gleeson (11 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (38 Tests)
22. Ben Donaldson (14 Tests)
23. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (1 Test)
