The Wallabies will face a Wales side determined to break their-decade long hoodoo in next weekend’s rugby union Test in Cardiff.
Wales have lost 13 consecutive matches against Australia since their 21-18 victory in the same city back in November 2008.
Michael Cheika’s men are out to make statement in their Spring Tour opener after only winning three of 10 Tests this year, while their hosts are on a six-match match unbeaten run following their 21-20 victory over Scotland on Saturday night – their best run since 2012.
Wales halfback Gareth Davies says his side must capitalise on their momentum by putting the tourists to the sword at the Principality Stadium.
“We haven’t had the best strike-rate against Australia, but we cannot dwell on that,” Davies said on Sunday.
“We have to train well and go into the game firing.
“We’ve had a tough couple of weeks’ training and we have a game under our belts now, so we won’t have any excuses.”
He believes Wales will benefit considerably from their win over Scotland, the first time they’ve launched an autumn series with a win since 2002, when they beat Romania in Wrexham.
“It is a big thing,” Davies said.
“We normally play a southern hemisphere team first up after they have finished the Rugby Championship.
“They have been playing together for months, and we normally come in cold. It (Scotland game) was not the prettiest of games, but there is plenty to work on and I am sure we will be better next week.”
The Test at the Principality Stadium next Saturday will also be a preview of the two sides’ Pool D clash at next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Davies said a watershed victory over Australia in Cardiff will be optimal preparation for the tournament.
“We had a good couple of wins out in Argentina in the summer. There were a couple of boys left at home, and a lot of young boys had opportunities,” he said.
“Those boys stepped up and we talk about the strength in depth we have in the squad. It’s an exciting squad to be in, and it is a massive 12 months for us building towards the World Cup.”
Hoy
Roar Guru
*lose
Hoy
Roar Guru
The issue is truly, regardless of the results, the Wallabies need a good hard look at themselves... but this isn't happening. If Wales loose, THEY need a good hard look at themselves... their coach simply can't beat us if that is the case, and they need to look at what is going on there...
Lara
Guest
Wales at home, ranked 3 in the World, playing an opponent who was playing for the wooden spoon in RC , the odds are stacked against the Wallabies. However, if the Wallabies get up ,then it is a mental issue n Gatland's coaching is overrated. Truly interesting game, because both coaches will be desperate to win.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Wales won 21-10 last Saturday.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
OB WBs can't have a "hard look at themselves". Cheika has metaphorically removed all the mirrors.
Old Bugger
Guest
I agree but if they do, then I suggest the WBs will need some seriously good hard looking at themselves. Why?? Because to be fair about this, the WBs have had the wood on this Welsh side for yonks and atm, I haven't seen anything offered by Wales, to change where I think the favourite's tag goes - to the WBs irrespective of how bad their current record is, going into this match. The WBs have shown against the ABs that their first half performances have been good especially, with their defensive tactics. If that can be repeated in Cardiff, then the pressure will certainly build on Wales, at home. The concern will be if the WBs can maintain this pressure, through the 2nd half. It will no doubt come down to how well MC, chooses and plays his bench so that this pressure can be maintained, through to the last quarter. If the WBs hold their discipline and maintain the pressure, I think their hosts, might blink first.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Wales at full strength will be beat Chekko's team of mates and posers.
Over here
Roar Rookie
I apologise for bring un-Australian but I hope Wales flog us so the clown can pack his bags and go back to his regular job at the circus. We've got the cattle, just need a good head drover to flog the cattle into playing for each other
Hoy
Roar Guru
IF they can't beat Australia at the moment, then they need a seriously good hard look at themselves... more so than us!