Rugby: Barnes a chance to face Wales

Berrick Barnes attempts to tackle Victor Matfield. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes is recovering well and is a better chance to play in Sunday's rugby Test against Wales in Cardiff.

Barnes is more confident of recovering in time for the emotion-charged match at Millennium Stadium which will be the farewell international for Wales great Shane Williams.

Barnes, man of the match in Australia's 21-18 victory over Wales in last month's third place playoff at the World Cup, hurt his back during the touring side's thrashing of the Barbarians on Sunday.

The courageous inside centre was accidentally kneed in the back after collecting the ball in the first half of the 60-11 win over the invitational side at Twickenham.

He was substituted late in the first half in London with uncapped Queensland Reds centre Ben Tapuai producing a good account of himself in his maiden outing for the national team.

The Wallabies arrived in Cardiff on Sunday afternoon and will have a recovery session on Monday before hitting the training paddock at the University of Glamorgan on Tuesday.

If Barnes proves his fitness, there are not expected to be any changes to the backline.

No.8 Ben McCalman is set to return from an eye irritation and captain James Horwill will be elevated to the starting lineup for the final match of the year.

- AAP