He may be a walking statistic at the Rugby World Cup but Adam Ashley-Cooper brings so much more to the table, according to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.

Any thought the venerable outside back would be a gap-filler in Japan was shot down when Cheika named Ashley-Cooper to start on the right wing for the high-stakes showdown with Wales in Tokyo on Sunday.

Replacing the suspended Reece Hodge, it marks the completion of a goal the 35-year-old set for himself when he returned to Australia earlier this year, with the express desire to appear at a fourth World Cup.

After a solid but unspectacular season at outside centre for the Waratahs, and a hit-out there against Samoa, he is thrust into his first wing start at any level for nearly a year.

Cheika believed Ashley-Cooper would let nobody down marking the elusive Josh Adams and warned Wales to ignore the the grey hairs.

“He thinks they make him look more distinguished. Personally I think they just make him look older,” Cheika said.

“He has got that, as they say in French, je ne sais quoi. He has got that something that wants to bring him up to the challenge.

“Maybe he’s not going to be able to do it every single week but when his team needs him, I am sure he will deliver because he is preparing himself very well.”

Ashley-Cooper will be Australia’s oldest ever Test winger and forms part of the most senior backline they’ve fielded, that figure boosted by recalls for halves Bernard Foley and Will Genia.

The combined 208 years between the seven starting backs falls at an average just under 30 years per player.

Inside centre Samu Kerevi is the youngest at 26, having celebrated a birthday on Thursday.

Another stat that Cheika may appreciate more is that Ashley-Cooper boasts the best record against Wales of any player in Test history, having won 13 from 13 such encounters.

Foley said his long-time teammate at Test and Super Rugby level had developed into a professional on-field performer and well suited to the mentor role off it.

“Adam has adopted the old bull role, he’s the experienced campaigner, he’s brought so much wisdom, composure and calmness amongst the squad,,” Foley said.

“Here’s a guy who just goes out there and does his job for the team each and every week – whether it’s at outside centre, on the wing or at fullback, he’s always been such a stalwart of the Wallabies.”

It will be Ashley-Cooper’s 44th Test start on the wing. He’s made 45 starts at outside centre are 24 at fullback.