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SYDNEY - Wales rugby coach Gareth Jenkins has made five changes, two positional, to the side who suffered last-gasp defeat by Australia last weekend for the second and final test in Brisbane on Saturday.
Captain Gareth Thomas reverts to fullback to win his 94th cap in place of Lee Byrne, Chris Czekaj switches wings and Aled Brew fills the berth he vacates.
Experienced Mefin Davies returns at hooker for Matthew Rees, who has returned home for the birth of his child, while Michael Owen replaces Brent Cockbain at lock.
"Gareth will be able to get more involved in the action from a more central role at fullback and the move also gives us the opportunity to look at Aled Brew who is a hot prospect for us on the wing," Jenkins said in a statement.
Wales, shorn of more than a dozen players, led 17-0 in the first test against the Wallabies before losing 29-23 after an injury-time try.
"There were many positives for us to take out of our performance last week and the players will have renewed self belief," Jenkins said.
"Australia too will have undoubtedly learnt lessons and will come after us but we know now we do not fear them and we have proved we have something to offer as well.
"We should have beaten them last week and the only thing that will make that easier for us to bear is to go one better this week and make sure we have more points on the board than them."
Wales
Gareth Thomas (captain), Chris Czekaj, Jamie Robinson, Sonny Parker, Aled Brew, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Gavin Thomas, Colin Charvis, Rob Sidoli, Michael Owen, Adam Jones, Mefin Davies, Iestyn Thomas. Reserves: Ceri Jones, Richard Hibbard, Scott Morgan, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Andy Williams, Ceri Sweeney, Gavin Henson.
- REUTERS
