Why boring, not beautiful, should be the Wallabies' focus in Wales

Victories against Wales have not come easy for the Wallabies in recent years - so a dull performance may be the best way to grind out that coveted win.

The Wallabies haven't won in Cardiff since 2018, and head into the clash with the Welsh off the back of two four-tries-to-one thumpings at the hands of England and Scotland

Assistant coach Dan McKellar says the Wallabies "need to get back to basics" on their tour of Europe, with an emphasis on defense, set piece and discipline at the forefront of their minds.

Those areas were badly exposed against England and Scotland, with a litany of missed tackles and turnovers contributing heavily to their heavy defeats.

Wales present a different type of challenge, with their kicking game likely to dominate much of the contest and their scrum and lineout a formidable force.

The Wallabies have traditionally struggled to adapt to Wales' style, and McKellar says it's important to be more clinical in how they approach the game this weekend.

"We need to have a strong kicking game, we need to be able to win that territory battle," McKellar said.

"We need to be able to put pressure on their set piece, and we need to be able to exit our own half and put them under pressure."

The Wallabies have made four changes to their starting side for the match, with the most notable being the inclusion of veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa at loosehead.

Alaalatoa has not played for the Wallabies since the 2019 World Cup, but has been recalled to add some much-needed experience to the pack.

Other changes see Rob Leota come in for Lachlan Swinton at blindside flanker, while Noah Lolesio replaces the injured Quade Cooper at flyhalf.

The Wallabies will need to be at their best to overcome Wales, who are always a tough opponent at home.

But if they can focus on the basics and grind out a win, it will be a major step forward for their tour of Europe.