The Wallabies lost two hookers and survived a fearsome assault on their scrum to tough out a 25-16 victory over Wales in their rugby international at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Starting rake Stephen Moore was ruled out before kick-off with a back niggle, his place taken by Saia Fainga'a.
But when Fainga'a limped from the field in the 55th minute with a leg injury, Australia were down to late call-up to the bench Huia Edmonds.
The Welsh were merciless on the Wallabies' scrum, earning penalty after penalty and storming back into the game with a try on the back of a pummelling from the tight five late in the first half.
But Australia stayed composed enough to keep their recent roll going after a physical Wales had restricted them to a 7-6 half-time lead.
Australia scored three tries to one.