The Wallabies have received a significant boost ahead of their Spring Tour opener, with star Wales centre Jonathan Davies ruled out hours before kickoff with a hamstring injury.

One of the world’s premier outside centres, Davies was set to face Australia for the first time in a Wales side since 2012.

The British and Irish Lions star pulled up with hamstring tightness on Saturday morning ahead of the Millennium Stadium clash (0130 Sunday kickoff AEDT).

Australia had been wary of the 59-Test veteran forming part of the most experienced midfield pairing in world rugby

Instead, the damaging Jamie Roberts will be partnered by Scott Williams – who comes in from outside the 23 to join the starting line-up.

The news will be music to the ears of Australia’s centre pairing of rookie Reece Hodge and the recalled Tevita Kuridrani, who are combining for the first time.

“Obviously Roberts and Davies are very, very difficult customers to handle; they’ve got a track record of linebreaks and breaking tackles,” Cheika said earlier this week.

“They’ve got a lot of experience too.”

Australia’s match-day 23 remains unchanged.

Teams:

Australia: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Reece Hodge, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Lopeti Timani, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. Reserves: Tolu Latu, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Scott Fardy, Nick Frisby, Quade Cooper, Sefa Naivalu.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Samson Lee, Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins (capt). Reserves: Scott Baldwin, Nicky Smith, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, James King, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies, Hallam Amos.