The 34-year-old Ospreys lock will win his 130th Wales cap to surpass the previous record of prop Gethin Jenkins.

Gatland has kept faith with the starting side that defeated Georgia 43-14 in the opening Pool D game.

Australia have made four changes to the side that beat Fiji 39-21 in their opening match.

Wales have made one change on the bench with centre Owen Watkin coming in for full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

Gatland said he had considered bringing Ross Moriarty into the back row but refrained from doing so.

"We felt we wanted to give that team another opportunity," said Gatland.

"We thought we played pretty well in the first-half against Georgia so we felt it was not fair to drop anyone,"

Watkin's addition to the bench provides cover at centre, as Hadleigh Parkes broke a small bone his hand in the victory over Georgia.

"Owen has been coming off the bench for us and doing a good job," said Gatland.

"Hadleigh has a small fracture in his hand so has not taken much of a part in training this week.

"It is just making sure we have cover there in case that hand does give him problems during the match so then we can make a change."

Gatland also praised his record-breaking captain Jones.

"He's a great competitor," said Gatland.

"Since he's been captain we don't have as many fights at training because he used to start most of them! That's how competitive he was.

"People who get to the top have a drive and a desire to want to be successful and he's definitely done that. To become Wales' record Test player with 130 caps is special. Hopefully there are many more to come.

"He doesn't say a lot, he just leads from the front at training and matches and sets a great example for the senior players but in particular the younger players.

"We're lucky to have him in the team and captaining the side."

Australia half-backs Will Genia and Bernard Foley return instead of Nic White and Christian Lealiifano.

Dane Haylett-Petty comes in at full-back while Kurtley Beale drops to the bench.

Adam Ashley-Cooper replaces the suspended Reece Hodge on the right wing to win his 120th cap.

Hodge was banned for three matches for a dangerous tackle on Fiji flanker Peceli Yato.

"It was not too dissimilar to what we thought," said Gatland.

"We probably did not think Foley would start but his experience and running threat is something we are going to have to keep an eye on.

"With Foley there they will probably kick a bit more than they have been.

"With Beale they lose a bit of their attacking threat because he is definitely a threat for them.

"As in the past he will probably come off the bench relatively early and will be a handful for us.

"I think it's (Australia selection) is a sign of respect. That's how far we've come as a team over a number of years.

"I don't think this was always the case with Wales. Teams probably wouldn't consider our attacking threats or any threats at all."

Wales: L Williams; North, Jonathan Davies, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (C), Wainwright, Tipuric, Navidi.

Replacements: Smith, Dee, Lewis, Shingler, Moriarty, T Williams, Patchell, Watkin.

Australia: Haylett-Petty; Ashley-Cooper, O'Connor, Kerevi, Koroibete; Foley, Genia; Sio, Latu, Alaalatoa, Rodda, Arnold, Pocock, Naisarani, Hooper (C)

Replacements: Uelese, Slipper, Kepu, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, White, To'omua, Beale.