Wallabies coach Michael Chieka has made six changes to the Wallabies starting side that beat the All Blacks in Sydney last Saturday for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland.

With eyes firmly set on this year’s Rugby World Cup, Cheika has promoted Will Skelton, Wycliff Palu, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Matt Toomua and Henry Speight to the Wallabies starting side, with prodigal son Kane Douglas added to the bench.

“We know this week will be another huge challenge for the team and our biggest test to date, and we need to improve again on what we’ve produced in our previous matches,” Cheika said.

“Wycliff, Henry and Kane have all worked hard for this opportunity and have brought a lot of energy to the group this week.”

Despite impressing last weekend, David Pocock will play from the bench in his 50th Test match.

“David has had to overcome some hurdles with regards to injury to reach this milestone but the way in which he’s got there through perseverance and a lot of hard work and patience is a great measure of his character,” Cheika said.

“He has been one of our best players this season, and the respect he commands from his teammates and peers is a testament to the way he approaches the game.

“He knows that he will play a pivotal part in closing the match on Saturday night, and I expect he will put in a performance that all of Australia will be proud of.”

The Wallabies depart for New Zealand on Thursday afternoon.

Wallabies team to play All Blacks

1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. James Horwill
5. Will Skelton
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Nic White
10. Quade Cooper
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Israel Folau
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Kane Douglas
20. Dean Mumm
21. David Pocock
22. Matt Giteau
23. Kurtley Beale