Australia’s new cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been surprisingly dropped from the Wallabies’ starting lineup against Wales following his impressive debut against England.

The 21-year-old, who was man-of-the-match in the thrilling win over England at Twickenham last Saturday having played the entire 80 minutes, will revert to the bench in Cardiff on Sunday.

The outside centre has been replaced at 13 by his inside-centre partner at Twickenham, Len Ikitau, while Samu Kerevi has been drafted in to No 12 to earn his 50th cap.

Back-rower Rob Valetini will also play his 50th Test for Australia at the Principality Stadium, with the Australians hoping to get halfway to their ambition of a “grand slam” against all four of their British Isles’ opponents. Valetini moves to No 8 with their captain Harry Wilson ruled out over concussion protocols.

Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side, combining with Angus Bell and Matt Faessler in the front row. France-based former captain Will Skelton has also been selected for his first Test of 2024 and will partner Nick Frost in the second row, while Nic White will return as starting scrum-half, with Tate McDermott again seen as an impact option from the bench as he was at Twickenham.

In place of the injured Dylan Pietsch, the Twickenham match-winning try scorer Max Jorgensen will start on the left wing.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “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. As a group we’ve worked hard this week, knowing that there will be plenty of pressure on us this weekend.”