Warren Gatland has named arguably the most adventurous starting XV of his tenure as Wales coach.
The New Zealander has not only named the massive George North at outside centre, but has followed the lead of Australia’s Michael Cheika by putting Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton into the same team.
Tipuric will start at openside flanker, while captain Warburton will take the number six jersey from the injured Dan Lydiate.
Samson Lee and Luke Charteris also return to the pack alongside Paul James, as Gethin Jenkins drops out of the matchday 23 entirely.
George North’s selection at outside centre means Liam Williams returns to the wing, while the New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe comes in at fullback for his first ever international start.
Alex Cuthbert retains his place on the wing despite some shaky performances so far and James Hook is named on the bench after joining up with the squad.
The inclusion of both Tipuric and Warburton was no doubt influenced by the threat of David Pocock and Michael Hooper – but the Wallabies will be without Hooper after he received a one-match ban for his hit on Englanf fullback Mike Brown.
The team in full is:
15. Gareth Anscombe, 14. Alex Cuthbert, 13. George North, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Liam Williams, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Gareth Davies; 1. Paul James, 2. Scot Baldwin, 3. Samson Lee, 4. Luke Charteris, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 6. Sam Warburton, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: 16. Ken Owens, 17. Aaron Jarvis, 18. Tom Francis, 19. Jake Ball, 20. Ross Moriarty, 21. Lloyd Williams, 22. Rhys Priestland, 23. James Hook.
