Australia's second row resources have been further thinned out with the news that lock Sitaleki Timani will miss this weekend's international against Wales.

Timani was handed a one-match ban punching an opponent in the Wallabies' 22-19 win over Italy last Saturday.

Timani appeared before judicial officer David Martin on Wednesday, having been cited for striking an opponent with the forearm in the 13th minute of Australia's narrow victory in Florence.

The giant second row forward pleaded guilty to the charge.

"Acknowledging the player's admission of having carried out the act of foul play, the judicial officer deemed the incident to be at the low end of the IRB's table of offending and suspended the player for one week, having taken into account the mitigating factors," a statement said.

Timani's absence leaves Australia coach Robbie Deans lacking forward options for Saturday's match.

Lock Rob Simmons will also miss the Cardiff encounter, despite having had his ban for a dangerous tip-tackle during the Wallabies defeat by France this month cut from eight weeks to five weeks.

Kane Douglas is expected to take Timani's place in the starting side for Australia's European tour finale.

Douglas is returning after suffering a knee injury in the  opening game of the tour against France three weeks ago.

The Wallabies will travel to Cardiff looking to make it three straight Test wins after victories over Italy and England following defeat by France.