Australia: Cheika changes two for Saturday's Test with Wales in Cardiff

Image: McMahon set for debut against Wales after Michael Cheika named his first Test squad

Australia have made two changes to the side that lost to New Zealand last month for Saturday’s Test match with Wales in Cardiff.

Melbourne Rebels flanker Sean McMahon will make his international debut, replacing an injured Scott Fardy, while number eight Ben McCalman takes over from Scott Higginbotham, who is also sidelined through injury.

However, the team is otherwise unaltered from that which suffered an agonising 29-28 Bledisloe Cup loss three weeks ago, which means star half-backs Quade Cooper and Will Genia are on bench duty after starting against the Barbarians last Saturday.

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McMahon, 20, featured in the Baa-baas game, and a strong performance at Twickenham confirmed his place this weekend.

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"Going into the Barbarians match it was made clear that players had an opportunity to push their way into the Test team with a strong performance," said coach Michael Cheika, who takes charge of his first Test after replacing Ewen McKenzie.

"Sean made the most of his opportunity and brought great work-rate and physicality to our game.

"This selection also recognises the outstanding year he has had at all levels of the game, and he thoroughly deserves the chance to debut for Australia."

Uncapped Western Force prop Tetera Faulkner, meanwhile, is among nine replacements named, with one of that group to be omitted during the next 48 hours.

"I've been really pleased with the attitude and commitment of the team and by how they have embraced a new environment and way of doing things," Cheika added.

"Everyone has worked really hard on preparing themselves in the best possible way, and we're all excited about the opportunity to represent Australia and give our absolute best on Saturday."

Australia have won nine successive Tests against Wales, with Saturday's game being the countries' final meeting before Rugby World Cup 2015, where they will face each other in the pool stage.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps; 1 James Slipper, 2 Saia Fainga'a, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Sam Carter, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Sean McMahon, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Ben McCalman.

Replacements: (from) James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Will Skelton, Matt Hodgson, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Rob Horne.

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