Experienced fullback Andrew Kellaway will make his first appearance of the Rugby World Cup with a new halves pairing also suiting up for the Wallabies in their must-win match against Wales in Lyon.
Coach Eddie Jones has relegated Carter Gordon to the bench after he struggled in their historic loss to Fiji last round, shifting Ben Donaldson from fullback to 10 for the clash on Sunday (Monday AEST).
Tate McDermott returns after a head knock to partner Donaldson, although the vice-captain will oddly not take over the captaincy in the absence of Will Skelton with hooker Dave Porecki retaining that honour.
Sitting third in the pool with one win and one loss to start their campaign, the Wallabies need victory over unbeaten Wales or will crash out before the quarter-finals for the first time.
“Every team has matches like this during a Rugby World Cup and for this young team it is this week,” Jones said. “We’ve prepared well, are focused on what we need to do, and we’ll be ready to fight.”
Retaining the same tight five from Fiji, with Skelton and Taniela Tupou still unavailable, Rob Leota starts his first Test of the year at blindside flanker, with Tom Hooper shifting to openside and Rob Valetini at No 8. Fraser McReight, who has started both World Cup matches in the No 7 jersey, will come off the bench.
The selection of Kellaway, who was the Wallabies first-choice at 15 before the World Cup when Jones opted for Donaldson due to his goal-kicking, is the only change to the starting backline. With 24 Tests to his name Kellaway will offer some composure and direction at the back.
Tighthead prop Pone Fa’amausili is also set for his first match of the tournament after recovering from a calf injury. Nic White has beaten rookie halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa for the bench role while winger Suliasi Vunivalu has also been included in the match-day 23.
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Wallabies lineup: Angus Bell, David Porecki, James Slipper, Nick Frost, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Andrew Kellaway. Res: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu.