Slipper becomes captain in Wright’s absence, while Cale makes his first start for the Wallabies

James Slipper will captain the Wallabies for the 15th time after flanker Liam Wright was ruled out of Australia’s second clash with Wales on Saturday night.

Slipper was appointed co-captain of the Wallabies last year, alongside Michael Hooper under Eddie Jones, before Jones changed four more captains towards the end of the year.

The prop is part of a largely unchanged starting line-up, with Wright the only change that forces coach Joe Schmidt to promote last week’s debutant Charlie Cale to the starting line-up at No. 8, pushing Rob Valetini down to No. 6.

The rest of the peloton remains unchanged, with Matt Faessler and Taniela Tupou alongside Slipper at the front, while Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto form the second row.

Meanwhile, Schmidt has retained an unchanged backline with Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio named in the halves for a second week alongside Josh Flook and Hunter Paisami in the centres. Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daungunu continue to form the back three.

After making his debut off the bench last week, Michael Lynagh has been ruled out after a knock in training during the week. Western Force fly-half Ben Donaldson has been benched for his first game in a Wallabies shirt since last year’s World Cup.

Donaldson will be joined by his Force partner Nic White in what will be his 67th Wallabies Test, while Josh Nasser could become the 13th son of a Wallaby to wear the Wallaby gold if he makes his debut as a substitute.

In another change to the bench, Angus Blyth has earned his second Test selection, while Langi Gleeson has been named for his first appearance of the year at backrow cover. Meanwhile, last week’s debutant Dylan Peitsch has retained his place on the bench.

“Last week we got to know ourselves better and we look forward to learning even more on Saturday night,” said Schmidt.

“We have worked hard again this week in Melbourne and will do everything we can to earn the support of the crowd in the stands and the home team on Saturday night.”

Kangaroos: Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Charlie Cale, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Jeremy Williams, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler and James Slipper.

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaataoa, Angus Blyth, Langi Gleeson, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch.