Wales call on experienced heads

Wales coach Rob Howley has made four changes to his side for the second clash of the three Test tour of Australia to be played under the closed roof of the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on Saturday.

Up front hooker Matthew Rees combines with Ospreys pair Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones to add well over 180-caps worth of experience to the pack, whilst in the backs centre Ashley Beck wins his second cap.

Rees replaces fellow Scarlet Ken Owens, who misses out altogether, with Richard Hibbard providing the front row cover on the bench alongside his former regional colleague, prop, Paul James.

Alun Wyn Jones, who captained the Wales XV to 25-15 victory over the Brumbies in their midweek fixture on Tuesday, replaces Dragons lock Luke Charteris in the second row, with Charteris moving to the bench.

In the back row Ryan Jones comes in at No.8 in place of injured loose forward Toby Faletau, who returned to Wales from Canberra on Tuesday after breaking a bone in his hand.

Beck, who also featured prominently in the midweek clash with Brumbies, comes into the starting line-up in place of centre Scott Williams. Williams joins scrumhalf Rhys Webb and utility back James Hook in providing cover from the replacements bench for the backs.

Elsewhere,  flank Justin Tipuric offers back row cover from the bench to complete the matchday line-up.

"After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendency, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday," said Wales caretaker head coach Howley.

"We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.

"We were also impressed with the performances of Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Webb on Tuesday and they have each very much played themselves into the squad.

"Having played two matches now on Australian soil we have acclimatised and are ready for another huge challenge this Saturday in Melbourne."

Dragons wing Aled Brew will return home this week after a hip contusion (bruise) has ruled him out of contention for selection for the next two weeks, no further players will be added to the squad.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Rhys Webb, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.

Date: Saturday, June 16

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Kick-off: 20.00 (10.00 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)