Pivac makes seven changes for Australia clash as Ellis Jenkins retains captaincy

Ellis Jenkins retains the captaincy as Jonathan Davies misses out on the squad Credit: PA

Ellis Jenkins has retained the captaincy for Wales' final autumn international against Australia on Saturday as Jonathan Davies misses out on the squad.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has made seven changes to his team as they go in search of a third consecutive victory against the Wallabies.

Seb Davies replaces injured Will Rowlands in the second-row, while Nick Tompkins starts in midfield alongside Uilisi Halaholo.

Hooker Ryan Elias remains the only constant in the front row as props Wyn Jones and Tomas Francis return.

Tomos Williams, Josh Adams and Aaron Wainwright are also reinstated to the starting fifteen.

Josh Adams in action against South Africa

Wales have faced an injury crisis throughout the campaign, and forwards WillGriff John and Will Rowlands are the latest to be ruled out after suffering head injuries against Fiji.

Wales last met Australia in the 2019 World Cup, where they produced a 29-25 victory to top Pool D.

Both teams will be vying to end the autumn series on a high, after some subpar performances and results throughout November.

Australia have lost back to back visits to Scotland and England, while Wales recorded their first victory against Fiji last weekend.

The Wallabies have not lost three straight games to Wales since 1975.

Australia haven't lost three straight games against Wales since 1975

Ahead of announcing his side, Wayne Pivac said: "Australia physical approach to the game and we certainly expect that from the Australians but we have to be able to match that and impose ourselves on the game.

"It’s going to be an enthralling encounter I think and a great way to finish a series. We’re really looking forward to Saturday.

“This week I’d encourage [the crowd] to be even louder, and noisier, and back the boys.

"They’ve worked really hard so to have that 16th man, if you like, really pushing and driving the team on, we’d really, really appreciate that.”

Wales versus Australia kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday on Amazon Prime.

Wales starting 15: Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Uilisi Halaholo, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Seb Davies, Ellis Jenkins (captain), Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Gareth Thomas, Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Christ Tshiunza, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Johnny McNicholl.