Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton is out of this weekend's Test against Australia in Cardiff as he continues to recover from a neck injury.
Justin Tipuric is set take back-rower Warburton's place while lock Alun Wyn Jones is likely to captain the side on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
"Sam is going back to the (Cardiff) Blues to get some game time under his belt," Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said.
"Obviously he hasn't had much game time. We're very fortunate to have someone like Tips (Tipuric), who has been playing well. Sam's our captain but we'll play as well as we can without him.
"Our defensive system is very reliant on people having speed and Tipuric really helps our line speed when he plays."
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Fullback Liam Williams is also doubtful with a foot injury although Wales will delay naming their side to give the Scarlets man time to recover.
Warburton is likely to return for the rest of the autumn internationals.
