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This is the final international Test for both nations, where a win would cap off very successful years. We could claim it to be a litmus test for the teams, but the reality is that both nations have proven themselves already this season.
Robbie Deans has achieved far more than his predecessors and no one doubts that he is making Australia a world power again: the biggest defeat inflicted on New Zealand in nine years, two wins against the World Champion Springboks, and a ten win season in sight – not achieved since the halcyon days of 1999.
Two of Australia’s losses – 39-10 to the All Blacks in Eden Park and 53-8 to the Springboks in Johannesburg – were unavoidable, with history’s two best teams playing with such fury and pride on those days.
But the other two losses to the All Blacks were games the Wallabies could and should have won.
Indeed, the ability to perform consistently over 80 minutes is one of the final strokes that Deans want wish to add to his green and gold magnum opus.
Warren Gatland, another well regarded Kiwi coach, came to Wales in crisis after losing to Fiji at the 2007 World Cup. However, under his tutelage the Welsh recorded their second Six Nations Grand Slam in four years, playing a heady mix of Waikato structure and Welsh flair.
Like the Wallabies, Wales has only lost this season to the two top teams in the world. But in all but the first test against the Springboks, the Red Dragons have not been out of place.
Welsh media believed that Wales’ first half against the All Blacks was the best 40 minutes of football that they had played in many years. Unfortunately for them, New Zealand responded with their best 40 minutes of football of the year.
The Wallabies are eyeing off a piece of history, to become the first Australian side to march through Europe unbeaten since 1996. This year has seen them overcome one of their great modern weaknesses, the ability to win away from home.
The Welsh though bring a game plan based on set piece parity, combined with intimidating smother defence and a slick intuitive attack that Australia has only faced against teams this year that they have lost to.
As impressive as the Wallabies have been in winning most of their European games, they have not wiped the floor with any of their foes. And while Italy, England and France have bought formidable forward challenges to the Australians – which they have not wilted to – Wales will bring a free flowing game that the Wallabies may struggle with.
The big weakness for Australia could be Luke Burgess, who this week has been heavily criticised. If he cannot link with Matt Giteau, who the Welsh believe – and rightly so – is the Wallabies biggest attacking threat, it could be a disappointing end to the tour.
Wales will be wise to the Wallaby challenge, with 627 international caps in their starting fifteen.
Mark Jones restoration to the starting team sees him combine with the outstanding Lee Byrne and new World player of the year Shane Williams to form such a dangerous three quarter line. It could be the winning of the game for Wales.
Wales have a poor recent record against the Wallabies, only beating them twice in 21 years. The Red Dragons will strive to return the rivalry to the early years of rugby – where Australia could only manage two victories against the Welsh between 1908 and 1975.
If Wales can pull off a big win (15+), and the All Blacks do the expected and defeat England, they will jump two places to fourth in the world, and will enjoy the privilege of heading a pool of their own at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.