Kerevi, who debuted in 2016, returns to international action for the first time since the Wallabies’ final match at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The experienced inside centre will partner Len Ikitau, who moves to outside centre. Kerevi replaces Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who starts on the bench.
Valetini who is a two-time John Eales Medallist, achieves his 50th cap milestone after an impressive run having missed just two Tests since 2020. The dynamic backrower shifts to number 8 following Harry Wilson’s injury and will combine with Fraser McReight and Seru Uru, who earns his first starting role in only his second Test.
Allan Alaalatoa has been named captain for the Cardiff clash, leading the forward pack alongside Angus Bell and Matt Faessler in the front row. Will Skelton returns to the starting line-up for his first Test of 2024, joining Nick Frost in the second row, who retains his spot from last week.
In the backline, Nic White comes back into the starting XV at scrumhalf, with Noah Lolesio outside him at fly-half.
Wallabies try-scoring hero Max Jorgensen starts on the left wing after his match-winning try last weekend. Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright retain their starting jerseys from last weekend, completing the back three as right wing and fullback, respectively.
Among the substitutes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa is joined by 141-Test veteran James Slipper and Zane Nonggorr as the replacement front row. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Langi Gleeson provide additional forward cover, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and rugby league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii round out the matchday 23.
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.”
Wallabies team to play Wales at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday November 17 at 4:10 pm GMT
1.Angus Bell (33 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2.Matt Faessler (13 Tests) – USQ Saints
3.Allan Alaalatoa (c) (77 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4.Nick Frost (22 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5.Will Skelton (30 Tests) – The Hills Sports High School
6.Seru Uru (1 Test) – Wests Bulldogs
7.Fraser McReight (23 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8.Rob Valetini* (49 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
9.Nic White (70 Tests) – Maitland Blacks
10. Noah Lolesio (26 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Max Jorgensen (4 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
12.Samu Kerevi* (49 Tests) – Souths Magpies
13.Len Ikitau (36 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14.Andrew Kellaway (36 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15.Tom Wright (34 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16.Brandon Paenga-Amosa (17 Tests) – Southern Districts
17.James Slipper (141 Tests) – Bond Pirates
18.Zane Nonggorr (8 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (37 Tests) - Randwick
20.Langi Gleeson (11 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21.Tate McDermott (38 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22.Ben Donaldson (14 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23.Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (1 Test) – The Kings School
*Denotes 50th Test
