Scotland’s surprise victory over Australia last weekend will have left them reeling, and they’ll be looking for revenge against the Welsh in the final match of their season.
Wales have enjoyed two victories over Samoa and Argentina, they gave the All Blacks a reasonable game at the beginning of the month, but they haven’t quite found their top form this autumn. Warren Gatland’s side will want to send a message to the other Home nations ahead of the Six Nations, and an impressive performance in victory over Australia would do just that.
Both sides appear to be very evenly matched, and whilst neither can bring real momentum and form to the Millennium Stadium, there will be determination in abundance from both camps, which makes it a very tough one to call.
Dwayne Peel is recalled to the side and will have a tough job to keep Will Genia under control, and whilst there’s not a huge advantage for one pack or another, the clash of the back rows will be fascinating.
Rocky Elsom, David Pocock and Wycliff Palu will come up against Andy Powell, Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones and this is the key battle that will decide the match.
Pocock was particularly impressive against Ireland a fortnight ago, but if there’s one man you would want on your team to keep him quiet, it would probably be Williams. The veteran flanker seems to get better and better, and if he and his forwards can dominate the breakdown, Stephen Jones will enjoy enough possession to launch the exciting backline into attack.
This could be an epic contest and I’m backing a Home victory.
My SportGuru prediction: Wales by 6
What do you think? Will Australia finish their season with a bang and prove me wrong?
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Pococks gonna eat Williams’ lunch, but it’ll be our missed opportunities that will cost us. I’ve got the Boyos by 1
Welcome to the miserable world of predicting your own team to lose…we are quite familiar with it here!
A back row of Powell, Williams and Jones – an epic contest is on the cards and should be a great game – i’m backing the Boyos by 10…..C’MON!!
Got my ticket a while ago and I’m flying back this evening so can’t wait for tomorrow. I am however a little pessimistic, as the Aussies will be looking to get something out of the tour and will be playing for the coach. Wales didn’t look like scoring a try against New Zealand and every try they scored against Argentina was gifted to them. I think our defence will hold up (if Australia do score it’ll be by a drive for the line by a forward). It’s going to be close and could go either way, but if I had to predict I would say Australia by less than 7.
“Boyos” sigh …… On to the game ,well the back-row is Powell, Williams and Lydiate now .Who ?yes Lydiate 21 year old flanker from the Dragons who broke his neck in France two years ago. His form has been one reason why the Dragons are the top placed Welsh region in the Magners.This back-row is actually better balnced than the original selection as Powell is not really a 6 .
Ryan Jones’ leaership will be missed though and a throw in the deep end for a youngster.I’m wary of the wounded beast Australians and they will finish their chances in a gaqme soon , hopefully not tomorrow -Wales home advantage win by 5.
BREAKDOWN GOING TO WIN OR LOSE GAME FOR WALES.POCOCK IN MY EYES BEST FLANKER IN WORLD CAN DO EVERYTHING GEORGE SMITH CAN DO AND MORE.AUSSIE WIN BY 10 PLUS FOR ME.