“We are always thinking about the future and with the World Cup less than 12 months away, the players have got a great chance to go out there on Saturday and stake a claim.

"We've seen players like Jon Davies, who again played against Australia 12 months ago and we've then seen improvement that he's had over 12 months.

"So for one or two of the youngsters it's a great chance and a great opportunity for them on Saturday."

Sam Warburton, 23, replaces veteran Martyn Williams while Will Harries and Dan Lydiate come into the side which only has three players over the age of 30.

"I've had a chat to Dan - he played against Australia 12 months ago - he knew that it was a big lesson for him 12 months ago, a big learning curve.

"We think he's grown in the last 12 months. He's been very impressive for the Dragons in terms of defensively.

"In his ball-carrying he's been really strong and it's a great chance for him as a young player to show how much he's improved in 12 months

"In terms of the openside stuff we need to still find out about Sam Warburton. We were very pleased with his last game against South Africa.” Gatland said.

"We were disappointed he was injured and didn't want to go on the summer tour so he's getting another opportunity.

"In terms of the wing, again we consider Will a winger, not a full-back. He's been playing at full-back for the Dragons and it's a great chance for him.”

Tom Shanklin and Andrew Bishop line-up in the centre, Jamie Hook is at full-back and Mike Phillips takes hold of the number 9 jersey.

"At scrum-half Richie Rees has been putting pressure on Mike Phillips with some dynamic performances for the Blues so it's a big game for Mike, we are looking for him to be physical and really lead the way.”

Robbie Deans names an unchanged line-up to last weekend’s victorious side who shone in the epic Bledisloe Cup tie in Hong Kong.

James O’Connor is expected to continue with the kicking duties after his high-pressure conversion against the All Blacks and Ben McCalmon is the only member of the starting XV who will be starting at the millennium Stadium for the first time.

Wales: Hook, Harries, Shanklin, Bishop, Williams, Jones, Phillips; Jenkins, Rees, Rhys-Jones, Davies, Wyn-Jones, Lydiate, Warburton, Thomas
Replacements: Bennett, James, Jones, Williams, Rees, Biggar, Czekaj

Australia: Beale, O'Connor, Ashley-Cooper, Giteau, Mitchell, Cooper, Genia; Robinson, Moore, Alexander, Chisholm, Sharpe, Elsom, Pocock, McCalman
Replacements: Faingaa, Slipper, Mumm, Brown, Burgess, Barnes, Turner