Wales v Australia: Teams

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes the current Australia squad has the makings of a really strong side.

The Wallabies have come in for criticism after a disappointing Tri-Nations series and a poor tour to the northern hemisphere.

Despite there having been talk of Australia repeating their 1984 Grand Slam exploits, the current crop of players have so far stuttered to victory over England, drawn with Ireland and lost to Scotland.

And although things will not get any easier at the Millennium Stadium against the Welsh, Gatland believes the foundations are there for Aussie coach Robbie Deans.

"I've got a huge amount of respect for Robbie and what he's achieved in rugby and Super 14 and the successes that he's had," Gatland said.

"I think out of the three Tri-Nations teams, they (Australia) are the team that's played the most rugby.

Experience

"They've got a very young side and they will gain a huge amount of experience from this northern hemisphere tour. In two years' time, I think you'll see a really strong Australian side.

"They've been creating a lot. They haven't been finishing things off, but they do go out and try and play rugby."

Gatland has made just two changes to his side following the 22-16 victory over Argentina, with Dwayne Peel starting at scrum-half ahead of Gareth Cooper.

Captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out because of a back injury suffered on Friday, so Dan Lydiate comes into the side, with Andy Powell switching to No.8. Gethin Jenkins will skipper the side.

Australia coach Dean has been buoyed by news Will Genia, Wycliff Palu and Benn Robinson have all passed fitness tests.

Digby Ioane has also been declared fit to return to the midfield, while Dean Mumm and David Pocock also start.

The 20-year-old back Kurtley Beale will make his debut off the bench.

Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones ,3 Paul James, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Sam Warburton, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Tom James.

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Digby Ioane, 12 Quade Cooper, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Dean Mumm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 George Smith, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 James O'Connor, 22 Kurtley Beale