In some ways, James Slipper will always be a playmaker trapped in a prop’s body but he’s looking forward to his job of “bringing the power” under the new Wallabies regime.

The 25-year-old is renowned as one of the game’s most complete forwards and has an affinity for all aspects of the game stemming from his junior days playing at five-eighth.

But as he heads into his his 60th Test on Saturday, the hard-toiling Slipper sees his role becoming about quality over quantity as new coach Michael Cheika promotes a more central, power-based attacking game.

“Being a more power style, it’s probably not as much work rate but about making as much impact as you can every time you’re involved,” slipper said ahead of Saturday’s (Sunday morning AEDT) clash with Wales in Cardiff.

“That’s probably the biggest difference for myself.

“I’ve got to make more of an impact whenever I’m involved and, obviously, I’m not going to be involved as much as I was in the old game plan.

“It’s going to be about bringing the power.”

The Wallabies’ vice-captain switched to prop in his school days at The Southport School on the Gold Coast.

Before that, he played mostly at No.8 but the 117kg, 185cm athlete started out in the halves.

“That (playing five-eighth) was a long time ago – let’s get that clear,” Slipper said.

“But I definitely do enjoy playing rugby, outside of scrummaging.

“I like to get my hands on the pill, I enjoy making my tackles and being involved as much as possible in the game.

“As I got a bit fatter and chubbier, I got pushed over to prop.

“But I do still enjoy the other parts of the game and the way we play rugby these days. Props are still very accountable to a work rate of some sort.

“Not only that, the number one job is set piece and everything above that is just another string to your bow, the way I see it.”

While Slipper always enjoys the forwards battle against northern hemisphere sides, he is excited at the likelihood of an open, entertaining game against the Welsh at the Millennium Stadium.

Australia are searching for a tenth straight win in the fixture but recent contests have been nail-biters.

“Both teams like to play exciting rugby and every player in the team has the skill set to play rugby. It’s like playing in the southern hemisphere,” Slipper said.

“Especially under the roof and hopefully on a good pitch, that (sort of game) will happen this weekend and we’re pretty excited by that.”