Deans: Getting ready for the second Test

Sekope Kepu strained a tendon in his forearm during last Saturday's 27-19 win in the series opener, but played out the full 80 minutes.

Deans is hopeful he will recover in time for Saturday's clash at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, while Rob Horne took a knock to the head and is also in some doubt.

Despite the concerns, Deans named an unchanged line-up with Ben Alexander and Anthony Fainga'a able to step into the starting XV if necessary.

"While we named a consistent line-up at this stage, there is a couple of blokes who have yet to be fully cleared," Deans said.

"Sekope Kepu is one, who strained a tendon, but he is recovering well so we're hopeful he'll be okay.

"Rob Horne took a head knock and we're just making sure he ticks all the boxes before we return him into the fray.

"There is a possibility that one or two of those blokes may be ruled out.

"As soon as they're cleared we'll communicate it. There's no great urgency but we won't want it to drag on too long.

"Whoever it ends up (being) it won't compromise our preparation."

One player who wasn't considered was Rebels winger Kurtley Beale, who is continuing his recovery from a shoulder injury.

"Kurtley has got no discomfort, he's done really well. Post-operation he is feeling good," Deans said.

"He now just has to get his strength back to a level where he can re-enter what is pretty intense competition and we don't want to re-enter him early and expose him to that risk."

The Wallabies were leading the Welsh 20-6 in the series opener before the Six Nations champions staged a remarkable comeback to close to within one point.

Deans conceded his side will need to improve significantly if they are to win the second Test and the series.

"They won a lot of their games at the death in the Six Nations. They showed that again last week when they worked their way back into the game," Deans said.

"We know that to beat the Welsh this weekend it's going to take a better effort, better in terms of accuracy, better in terms of sustained effort."

Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper; Cooper Vuna, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane; Berrick Barnes, Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Scott Higginbotham, David Pocock (captain), Wycliff Palu.

Replacements: Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Nic White, Anthony Fainga'a, Mike Harris.