Australia are counting down the hours until they face Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The Wallabies take on Warren Gatland’s men in the first game of their European tour after sealing an historic victory which ended a 10-match losing streak against New Zealand.
And buoyed by their triumph over the All Blacks, who also take on Wales this month, the Wallabies are targetting another win as they strive for consistency.
Australia have shown flashes of brilliance in the last 12 months, arguably beginning at the Millennium Stadium with their 33-12 victory over Wales last year. But the young Wallabies came of age in Hong Kong last week with their landmark victory over the All Blacks.
“It was a big step forward for us, ” said star centre Matt Giteau.
“It was important to beat New Zealand. We have had a lot of close games and we have put in a lot of hard work without getting the results.
“It was also good in the circumstances. We came from behind whereas we’ve had leads and given them up in the past. We have a lot of self-belief but the biggest challenge for us is to play two games back-to-back. We have to play consistent football.”
And Giteau is hoping the Wallabies can continue their 100 per cent start to the tour with another victory. Giteau was man-of-the-match in last year’s encounter but he is not taking Wales lightly.
“Last year in Wales, I had more space and opportunities. I don’t aim for a man of the match performance, I just go out to win.
“We didn’t play well the week before in Scotland but we bounced back well against Wales which was encouraging
“I enjoy playing in Europe. We play New Zealand and South Africa regularly so it’s good to play against different players, different styles and your game develops more.
“Wales have some good players and are a side that can get you from anywhere. They throw the ball around, have a big mobile forward pack and can hurt you from anywhere.
“They have their injury problems but they can call on guys like Tom Shanklin who is very experienced and has a history of playing well against Australia. Obviously not having Jamie Roberts is a big blow, he is a British Lion and after playing with him for the Barbarians last year I have seen first hand what he can do.”
Despite the absence of Roberts and fellow Lions Lee Byrne, Ryan Jones and Leigh Halfpenny, the Wallabies are expecting a fired-up Wales after being impressed by their summer tour form.
“They’ve go their injury issues but so does every team, that’s just the nature of the game we play,” said assistant coach Jim Williams.
“But they won’t be lacking in intensity or effort playing in front of their home crowd. They love to play a physical game, are confrontational and like to throw the ball around.
“We’re expecting Wales to start very well. I was impressed with them in the early stages against New Zealand in the summer. They’ve started their last few games well it’s just a case of doing it over the full 80.”
The match is being billed as an important build-up game for both teams as they begin their journey to Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.
Tickets are also available for the other three Wales matches at the Millennium Stadium this November against South Africa on Saturday 13th (kick-off 2.30pm), Fiji on the 19th (kick-off 7.30pm) and New Zealand on the 27th (kick-off 5.15pm).
