Tolu Latu to start at hooker as Wallabies ring changes for Wales

Tolu Latu has been picked to make only his second Test start for Australia after Michael Cheika named his team to face Wales this weekend.

Latu, whose previous start came against France in 2016, has ousted veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau in the starting line-up despite earning two yellow cards in his past two matches.

Polota-Nau will start on the replacements bench in one of a number of changes made by Wallabies coach Cheika to the starting XV that took on New Zealand in Yokohama.

Jack Dempsey and Samu Kerevi performed well enough against the All Blacks to earn starts in Cardiff, with the latter taking the No 13 shirt, prompting Israel Folau to move back to the wing.

The changes in the backline mean Marika Koroibete has been dropped from the 23 for the first time since his debut against Argentina last year.

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Lock Adam Coleman and flanker Jack Dempsey also feature in the pack. Coleman has recovered from a groin injury which meant he missed the All Blacks clash in Yokohama, and he partners Izack Rodda in the second row.

The Wallabies bench, meanwhile, includes centre Matt Toomua, but there is no place for 116 times-capped back Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Australia are seeking a 14th successive victory against Wales, having not lost to them since a 21-18 reversal in Cardiff 10 years ago.

Quick guide

Australia team v Wales

Australia team v Wales

D Haylett-Petty; I Folau (above), S Kerevi, K Beale, S Naivalu; B Foley, W Genia; S Sio, T Latu, A Alaalatoa, I Rodda, A Coleman, J Dempsey, M Hooper (capt), D Pocock. Replacements T Polota-Nau, S Kepu, T Tupou, R Simmons, N Hanigan, N Phipps, M Toomua, J Maddocks.

Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe
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