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How rare it is that an international match that will decide so much has a festive vibe surrounding it rather than the nerves of anticipation we usually feel.
Both Australia and Wales have already booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals, so we can expect a more open game than we would traditionally see from a match such an important match.
The winner will face an easier assignment in the quarters – most likely Scotland but possibly Japan – while the loser will take on an ominously improving South Africa.
This alone should be enough motivation for both sides to do their best.
Strangely, I expect this to be a classic match of open rugby. Freed from the pressures of ‘the group of death’, knowing England are already gone, we are going to see a full-speed, juggernaut of a game.
Both teams have a solid scrum and there may be a stalemate in this area, with the Wallabies slightly stronger.
The breakdown is going to be a fierce contest. Australia are again starting with two breakdown specialists, with player of the tournament so far, David Pocock, joined by a kid with super potential in Sean McMahon.
Unlike England, Wales have countered this threat with captain Sam Warburton joined by Justin Tipuric. Expect to see a lot of turnover ball if either team is slow to support.
The threat of the breakdown will see both teams wanting to move the ball at a fast pace to give their backlines a crack at each other without disruption. Expect first-phase crash balls from Tevita Kuridrani and Jamie Roberts, followed by angled runs from the outside backs to open up the match. This will continue until both team tire in the second half, and the team that best utilises their reserves will likely run out the winner.
To that end, Australia will be better served by their bench. The Welsh are down a few class players, while the Wallabies’ subs have been a strong aspect of their game.
Wales are coming at Australia with a strong and powerful backline, and with Gareth Anscombe gaining his first cap they have a very dangerous fullback.
The Wallabies’ outside backs looked stretched last weekend, as England threw the pill from side to side. There were plenty of opportunities for the English to score if they had the manpower to capitalise; they didn’t, but Wales do.
Sit back and enjoy, this is going to be huge.
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.