Wales captain Ryan Jones will miss the Test against Australia because of a back injury.

The British and Irish Lions forward had been due to start at No.8 at Millennium Stadium on Saturday but was ruled out on Friday.

Jones' absence will hit Welsh hopes of beating the Wallabies in consecutive matches for the first time in 34 years.

Wales beat Australia 21-18 in last season's corresponding fixture.

Andy Powell will move across the back row to replace Jones at No.8, with Dan Lydiate promoted to the starting line-up at blindside flanker.

"Ryan pulled up in Tuesday's conditioning session with a back problem," Wales physiotherapist Mark Davies said. "This obviously needed time to settle and unfortunately the problem has not resolved in time for him to be available on Saturday."

The 21-year-old Lydiate made his debut as a replacement last week and is replaced on the bench by Sam Warburton.

Prop Gethin Jenkins will captain the team.

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