Dan Lydiate is aiming to bring Australia’s dominant back-row to a halt at the Millennium Stadium today.
The 22-year-old endured a frustrating first start for Wales against a rampaging Wallabies pack in last year’s disappointing 33-12 defeat.
But the Newport Gwent Dragons man feels he is better for the experience and ready to do whatever it takes to keep David Pocock and co under wraps.
“Last year it was all new to me, it was my debut and I struggled to take it all in,” admitted Lydiate, who starts the Invesco Perpetual Series opener on the blindside flank.
“I found it hard to find my feet with the intensity and magnitude of the game. This year I know exactly what is coming and can’t wait.
“I have to work my way up and earn the respect of my peers that’s what I want to do on Saturday. I’m taking it one game at a time and just focusing on Saturday’s game and the Wallabies.
“We have to go hell for leather at the break down. David Pocock turned us over loads last year. That’s something we have to deal with, we have to get quick ball. He slows down every game he plays in and is a quality player.
“But they’re all dangerous at the breakdown area and we have to combat that. Rocky Elsom’s a quality player and played awesomely on the weekend so lining-up opposite him is a challenge but also one that I’m looking forward to. He’s an awesome player, athlete and captain.”
Despite respecting each member of the Wallaby eight, Lydiate is hoping Wales’ tight five can put himself and back-row colleagues Sam Warburton and Jonathan Thomas on the front foot with an overpowering display.
“Our front five are massive and each one of them is a quality player,” added Lydiate.
“They’re not far off being the best front five in the world so it’s awesome to have guys like that in front of you. As a back-row we have to step up to the challenge as well.
“I’m going to be as physical as I can, disrupt them as much as I can and I know the other guys will be doing the same. We all have jobs to do and if we all look after our own jobs it will come together collectively.”
