Foley and Genia return as Australia target 13th successive win over Wales

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has made three changes for Saturday’s Test match against Wales at the Principality Stadium.

Half-backs Bernard Foley and Will Genia, who both missed last weekend’s emphatic victory over Japan in Yokohama due to illness and a calf muscle problem, respectively, make their returns.

And there is also a start for Reece Hodge, who replaces wing Henry Speight, as Australia seek a 13th successive win against Wales.

Karmichael Hunt, meanwhile, is the sole change among Australia’s replacements after overcoming a neck complaint, the Australian Rugby Union announced.

“A really good thing for us is we’ve got options around how we can set up because Karmichael can go to full-back or centre, Samu (Kerevi) can go 12 or 13, Hodge can play pretty much anywhere now, and (Kurtley) Beale can play 12, full-back or fly-half if we need,” Cheika said.

“There was a lot happening last week. We lost a lot of players between that Barbarians game (in Australia) then the tour starting (in Japan).

“If you look at our team, a lot of players haven’t got much experience playing in the northern hemisphere, so it’s good to have some experience around them this week.”